Coronavirus relief for contractors gets proposed extension

Embedded in a $748 billion coronavirus relief proposal from a bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled Monday is an extension of a provision federal contractors see as vital to maintaining their financial well-being and keeping employees.

While no funding has been appropriated in this proposal, Section 3610 of the CARES Act economic relief law, enacted in Marc, would be extended to April 30 of next year. Friday is the current expiration date under the ongoing continuing resolution.

That would mean contractors can continue to seek reimbursements from federal agencies for paid leave of certain workers locked out of government facilities due to social distancing and other safety measures.

All agencies can lean on Section 3610, but those in the national security community more so given the nature of that work.

The extension comes one month after eight trade organizations representing government contractors and less than a week after a second group comprising 15 companies all sent letters to congressional leaders urging an extension of Section 3610.