Let's Get Surety

In this episode, guest Peter Gibbs, Director, Office of Surety Guarantees at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), shares insights into the SBA's bonding assistance program and how they are helping contractors. He shares some history of the program, news of exciting updates, and outlines both Plan A and Plan B programs. He also highlights how the great support for the program through the participation of surety company's and surety bond producers has helped the program grow! Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

In this episode, guest Dr. Tom Schleifer, retired construction executive, Arizona State University professor, and author of the blog, "Let's Talk Business", shares insights into how construction firms can survive the current COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic downturn hitting the construction industry. He cautions contractors to be wary of the wait and see a model of managing the current downturn, and to take a hard look now at cutting expenses to better weather this downturn. He discusses his analysis of data coming in now and compares it to the data and models from past economic downturns in the construction industry. For more information, you can also read a compilation of blog posts that Tom has shared on this topic, "Crisis-Era Message to Contractors: A Series from Dr. Tom Schleifer." Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

In this episode, guest Julian Xavier with CLA shares some insights into the COVID-19 stimulus law Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) from a CPA's perspective. He shares a high-level overview of the PPP loan, what happens once you receive the funds, what's covered, or not covered, FTE requirements, the importance of tracking the funds, safe harbor, and steps for forgiveness. Julian helps to sort through the many questions around the Paycheck Protection Program as we await more guidance! Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

In this episode, guest David Robbins with Crowell & Moring share some insights into the COVID-19 stimulus law Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the False Claims Act Risk. He shares insight regarding the safe harbor time frame ending on May 7th, what to expect from impending audits and enforcement, and lessons learned from past disasters and the first round of PPP fund disbursements. You can also listen to the NASBP Virtual Seminar that David presents for a deeper dive into this important and timely topic, "False Claims Act and Enforcement Risks of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)." Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

In this episode, guests Lori Demeyer and Kim Orsolits with CLA share some insights into managing the workplace without pandemonium during the COVID-19 pandemic and moving forward in the new world. They will share HR insight and advice for policy review, tailor-made plans that work best for each workplace, resources to help employees manage higher levels of stress, and planning for both coming into our offices or job sites and teleworking. You can also read the NASBP blog that our guests co-authored for additional information, "Pandemic Doesn't Have to Mean Pandemonium in the Workplace." Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode guests John Sebastian and Brian Padove attorneys with Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald, LLP will discuss Federal Construction Contracts and more specifically the Federal Acquisition Regulation or FAR in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. They will share insights into, when and how to provide notice, the burden of proof, suspension of work, and the sovereign acts doctrine. As well as stressing the importance of reviewing your current contract documents and taking the pandemic into consideration as you move forward with new contracts during these uncertain times. For more information on this topic check out the NASBP Blog post that our speakers co-authored with several colleagues at Watt Tieder, Federal Construction Contracts vs. COVID-19: An "Excused" Delay? Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Mike Zisa, Chair of the Surety and Construction Related Insurance Defense Practice Group at Peckar & Abramson shares insights into understanding force majeure clauses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation touches on reviewing contracts, communications with owners, giving notice, and documentation. Additionally, Zisa highlights that there may be other avenues for recovery in existing contracts, so careful contract review is warranted. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Corban Enns, Area Vice President, Surety Solutions a Gallagher Company, shares experiences with and insights into the electronic bonding system NMLS and what helped lead stakeholders to transition to and value electronic bonds. We also discuss how the NMLS could be an example that could be used to streamline other types of bonds processes, especially in light of the remote work world in which we find ourselves. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

In this episode, Peter Quinn, Senior Vice President of Major Markets – Surety at Crum & Forster, shares how he and the team at Crum & Forster are getting back to business and keeping the focus on people and relationships during these unprecedented times. We discuss working and meeting remotely, digital seals and more. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Jack Callahan CPA, Partner - Construction Industry Leader at CohnReznick joins us to share action items that contractors should be considering now due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in getting more in-depth information you should check out the NASBP Blog Jack contributed titled, "Finding Stability In A Time of Crisis" and the NASBP Virtual Seminar, "Contractors Guide: What You Should Know As You Manage Through the COVID-19 Environment". Finding Stability In A Time of Crisis Contractors Guide: What You Should Know As You Manage Through the COVID-19 Environment Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP