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Overview

Sheppard Mullin's Government Contracts team, part of the firm’s Governmental Practice, provides a full range of legal services to clients that do business with governmental entities. We advise clients on complying with complex government regulations and contract terms and defend them in the event of litigation. We represent individuals and corporations in a wide range of administrative, civil and criminal proceedings, including fraud investigations and whistle blower lawsuits. We specialize in handling government contract disputes, bid protests, and claims. We are experts in conducting assessments of corporate compliance programs.

Sheppard Mullin has years of experience advising in all areas of government contracts. We are nationally ranked among “Elite” firms in Chambers USA 2022 for Government Contracts and received the Silver Award for Best USA Law Firm in the category of Regulatory & Public Procurement at the International Legal Alliance Awards.

Representation and Industry Experience

Our Government Contracts lawyers represent clients in proceedings before the federal courts, including the Court of Federal Claims; a broad array of administrative tribunals, including the GAO and various Boards of Contract Appeals; federal agencies such as the DOD, EPA, DOE, GSA, DOT and CFIUS; state courts; and state, regional, and local agencies such as California's Coastal, Energy and Public Utilities Commissions.

We serve a broad base of clients in industries that are closely regulated by the government, including aerospace & defense (classified and unclassified), commercial items, financial services electronics, healthcare, higher education, pharmaceutical, technology, transportation, and power and utilities.

Contract Disputes

Our lawyers are readily available for the day-to-day counseling that corporations require to solve the myriad of issues that arise in:

  • Federal and state procurement
  • Contract claims and terminations
  • Prime and subcontractor disputes
  • Compliance programs
  • Internal investigations
  • Government and internal audits
  • Voluntary or self-disclosures
  • Bid protests
  • Debarment and suspension proceedings
  • Cost accounting standards
  • Quality assurance programs

Our Government Contracts team also advises clients on joint ventures, teaming arrangements, and in the formation of performance and subcontractor agreements. We assist companies develop bids and proposals that adhere to government requirements and standards. When needed, we represent companies protesting contract awards before tribunals and the traditional court system. We also have substantial experience in handling sensitive internal investigations related to potential violations of federal statutes and administrative regulations.

Bid Protests

Federal contract awards are frequently challenged – or protested – either in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (COFC) or before the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Such protests are also filed directly with the procuring agency, either as a lower profile grievance procedure or as a precursor to a more adversarial proceeding at the COFC or GAO.

Our attorneys have a wealth of experience both in challenging the propriety of an award (should our client be an unsuccessful offeror), and in defending the award (if our client is the awardee).

Claims

Not every contract proceeds as planned. During performance of a Government contract you may discover that the Government furnished technical data package contains errors or ambiguities, Government furnished information or equipment was delivered late or does not work, inspections were more rigorous than could have been reasonably expected, or that you encountered any number of other performance problems. Each problem likely caused delay and increased the cost of performance. Most of these kinds of problems are addressed administratively and resolved by the parties as they are discovered. In some instances a claim must be pursued.

Sheppard Mullin attorneys have extensive experience in the identification, development, costing, negotiation, and, if necessary, litigation of claims. We have advised in the preparation of claims for such diverse clients as shipbuilders, aircraft manufacturers, software developers, communication equipment suppliers, water filtration plant designers, and engineering/technical support contractors.

Corporate Compliance Programs

Sheppard Mullin's Government Contracts lawyers are experts in conducting assessments of corporate compliance programs as required to meet statutory and regulatory requirements. Sheppard Mullin has years of experience in the design and implementation of corporate compliance policies and procedures. These programs have become an integral part of numerous government-related industries including defense, financial institutions, and healthcare.

Clients

Representative Clients

  • Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc.
  • Babcock & Wilcox
  • BBA Aviation, PLC
  • CACI International, Inc.
  • Cubic Corporation
  • Deloitte LLP
  • DLT Solutions, Inc.
  • Eutelsat America Corp.
  • Electronic Warfare Associates, Inc.
  • Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.
  • Olin Corporation
  • Ontic
  • Samsung
  • Welch Allyn, Inc.

Recognitions

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Events

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