Complementing a strong reputation in high-stakes bid protests, Arnold & Porter is equally proficient in False Claims Act investigations and litigation, contract disputes, national security matters, and specialized M&A support for government contractors. The team regularly caters to issues impacting key industries including defense, aerospace, IT, healthcare, pharma and life sciences, collaborating with antitrust, white collar, and privacy partners from across the firm. The core team, housed in Washington DC, is led by Kara Daniels, whose work encompasses bid protests, false claims investigations, and compliance advice. Craig Holman is similarly focused, though with more of an emphasis on litigation, as well as prime-sub and APA disputes. Kristen Ittig is the resident expert on Buy American and trade compliance, and is particularly sought after by small businesses and life sciences clients. Michael McGill services PE clients and start-ups, counseling entities new to the government contracts space. Charles Blanchard has strong ties to the defense and aerospace sectors, and is frequently retained for pre-litigation negotiations. Chicago-based Michael Barnicle offers extensive experience in defense sector and DOD cybersecurity litigation. Sonia Tabriz has developed a niche in complex costs and pricing, and was also instrumental in the recent successful Recreation.gov class action defense. Paul Pompeo and Mark Colley retired in January and June 2023, respectively.

Crowell & Moring LLP utilizes its exceptionally deep bench in servicing the gamut of government contract matters, including claims, bid protests, costs and accounting disputes, FCA investigations, and M&A transactions. The team boasts long-standing relationships in the defense and aerospace sectors, and with household names in IT, telecoms, healthcare, and cybersecurity. Leadership of the Washington DC-based practice is shared between Peter Eyre, who specializes in suspension and debarment proceedings, as well as transactions, compliance, and investigations; Daniel Forman, a giant in the bid protests space who led the notable challenge by Northrop Grumman where DISA subsequently defended its own corrective action against Booz Allen Hamilton; and Adelicia Cliffe, who also co-chairs the National Security team, and focuses on regulatory counseling and strategic advice. Stephen McBrady is best known for large, complex disputes involving the government, while Amy O’Sullivan leverages small business expertise in leading large bid protests. Nicole Owren-Wiest is a top choice for costs and accounting disputes and is also well-versed in IP and data rights. Anuj Vohra has tapped into the developing trend of state and local bid protests, and Erin Rankin, promoted to partner in January 2023, is an emerging name in costs and accounting. Michelle Coleman, promoted to partner in January 2024, blends together significant expertise in AI and disputes. New additions include Jason Crawford from the DOJ in January 2023, Eric Ransom from in-house in October 2023, and senior counsel Lou Chiarella from the GAO in February 2023. Cherie Owen was also promoted to partner in January 2023.

Combining an acclaimed bid protests practice with a stellar track record in investigations and false claims, cybersecurity matters, M&A transactions, and complex classified work, Morrison Foerster is a destination of choice for a broad range of government contracts and procurement clients. The team excels in the tech, defense, and intelligence spaces, with additional proficiency in healthcare and biotech. Seated in Washington DC, the group is led by Tina Reynolds, who enjoys strong relationships with tech industry titans and is highly specialized in cybersecurity and M&A, and Alex Ward, whose litigation-oriented practice encompasses investigations, classified work, and bid protests. Litigator David Churchill conducts claims and bid protests on behalf of some of the biggest defense contractors, and senior of counsel Jay DeVecchio has an established reputation in IP rights under government contracts. Kevin Mullen is frequently engaged in high-stakes, classified bid protests, while Damien Specht is pre-eminent in M&A, representing both contractors and PE investors. Sandeep Nandivada has demonstrated considerable mettle in litigation and investigations in the tech and defense spaces. Promoted to partner in January 2024, Locke Bell continues to hone his expertise in IP rights, particularly in the context of bid protests and FCA investigations.

With a strong record in the defense, aerospace, and IT sectors, Blank Rome LLP matches expertise in traditional bid protests and claims with industry-specific experience in national security, export controls, M&A transactions, and government investigations. Justin Chiarodo chairs the Washington DC-based practice, and assists clients with all facets of federal, state, and local procurement law, including FCA claims and cost accounting and audit matters. Dominique Casimir complements strength in suspension and debarment proceedings with notable bid protests work. Luke Meier is adept in bid protests and government investigations, and specializes in contracts with the Department of Energy. Scott Arnold is a stalwart in both litigation and counseling, representing industry giants like Oshkosh Defense. Elizabeth Jochum is best known in the bid protests space, and also counsels the range of prime, sub, large, and small contractors on regulatory compliance, voluntary disclosures, and investigations. Stephanie Harden fields experience in audits and claims, mandatory disclosures, and FCA and Anti-Terrorism Act litigation. Robyn Burrows, who is developing a focus on emerging supply chain and cybersecurity issues, was promoted to partner in January 2024. Brian Gocial left the firm in February 2023.

Highly regarded for its work in the education sector, Hogan Lovells US LLP is similarly well-versed in assisting clients in the life sciences, aerospace, defense, tech, and telecoms industries with a variety of bid protests, M&A, and government contracts counseling. The group is led out of Washington DC by William Ferreira, a federal grants and international projects expert who excels in the education and healthcare spheres, advising on procurement, auditing and costs accounting, enforcement, and FCA investigations. Global head of aerospace and defense industry sector group Michael Mason is a heavy hitter in bid protests at the COFC and GAO, and is frequently retained on bet-the-company matters. Joy Sturm is squarely focused on procurement work in life sciences and pharma, with significant experience with Veterans Affairs and the DOD’s Tricare program. Michael Scheimer deals primarily with defense contracting and matters of national security, while Stacy Hadeka is a standout in aerospace and defense bid protests, as in the case of MVM’s successful challenge of an Unaccompanied Children Transportation and Logistics services contract.

A strong showing in bid protests, contract disputes, FCA suits, and sanctions and export controls makes Latham & Watkins LLP a strong choice for contractors in the defense, aerospace, IT, telecoms, and healthcare industries seeking comprehensive government contracts advice. Collaboration with the firm’s white collar defense and corporate groups also contributes to a stellar track record in large investigations, civil fraud litigation, and major transactional matters. The core team, housed in Washington DC, is comprised of three partners: Anne Robinson, who fields particular expertise in bid protests, enforcement matters, and FCA claims, notably in representation of Oracle/Cerner; Dean Baxtresser, who is frequently retained in high-profile government litigation and investigations, covering contractual disputes and FCA allegations; and Kyle Jefcoat, who is highly proficient in compliance matters, bid protests, and internal investigations involving FCA and mandatory disclosure concerns.

The bicoastal offering from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP combines capacity in bid protests, suspensions and debarment proceedings, M&A, federal grants, and export controls to assist clients in the tech, aerospace, defense, and education sectors. David Dixon, who focuses on federal and state level contract formation and administration, leads the Northern Virginia office, while Alex Tomaszczuk, who is best employed in claims and bid protests, and FCA investigations, heads the team in Los Angeles. Dixon is joined by John Jensen, who specializes in mid-market M&A of government contractors, and Counsel Meghan Doherty, whose practice centers on M&A and cybersecurity. Extending the group’s reach to Washington DC is Marques Peterson, whose expertise spans defense contracting and the related international trade and anticorruption laws. In LA, Michael Rizzo enjoys strong relationships in the defense, transportation, and tech spaces, Richard Oliver excels in bid protests and small business challenges, and Matt Carter shines in investigations, suspension and debarment proceedings, and regulatory counseling. Counsel Aaron Ralph supports on IP matters, cost and pricing issues, as well as litigation and investigations. Benjamin Cote and Matthew Rabinowitz were promoted to partner in January 2023. Todd Canni left the firm and Kevin Slattum retired, both in April 2023.

Well-versed particularly in the contentious elements of government contracts, spanning complex and high-profile bid protests, claims, FCA disputes, as well as international transactions and federal contracting labor and employment compliance counseling, Seyfarth Shaw LLP is a prime choice for federal, state, and local contractors across aerospace, defense, and tech. The team has also prominently achieved success against the US in a $367m claim before the Court of Federal Claims in Anchorage v. United States. Leadership is shared between Adam Lasky in Seattle, who specializes in bid protests involving complex overseas procurement issues, and SBA regulatory compliance and transactions, and Amy Conant-Hoang in Washington DC, who has proved her mettle in recent high-value protests on behalf of Textron Systems, QinetiQ, T-Mobile, and Valor Healthcare. Rounding out the rest of the DC team are Edward Arnold, who has distinguished himself in claims and litigation, prime/sub disputes, internal investigations, and FCA matters, and Erica Bakies, who advises on regulatory compliance and national security-related issues. Former co-chair Donald Featherstun  retired in December 2023.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is highly regarded for its breadth of experience in government contract issues affecting the aerospace, defense, and intelligence communities, offering clients a soup to nuts service covering counseling, regulatory compliance, disputes, and protests. The practice is housed in Washington DC, and led by Jonathan Aronie, a powerhouse in bid protests, self-disclosures, and DOJ and FCA investigations. Litigator Anne Perry counts among her specialisms export controls, M&A, costs and pricing issues, and suspension and debarment proceedings. Keith Szeliga is frequently retained by aerospace and defense contractors for a host of claims and disputes, while David Douglass enjoys a strong reputation in defending healthcare and life sciences companies in government and FCA investigations and litigation. Townsend Bourne is an emerging name in cybersecurity and data protection, specializing in DOD and civilian agency security contractors. Ryan Roberts supports small business and large defense contractors in both disputes and counseling.

Small and large contractors in tech, aerospace and defense routinely seek the services of Akin in support of FCA matters, government investigations, bid protests, and APA litigation across state, federal, and international levels. With Washington DC as its home base, the team is led by Michael Vernick, a giant in the education space, assisting high-profile universities and institutions with grants, FCA investigations, CMMC queries, and foreign influence and research misconduct allegations. Susan Lent is a key contact for DOT contractors, with specialist knowledge of infrastructure and Buy American funding, highlighted by her work on behalf of Brightline Holdings. Scott Heimberg assists large venture capital and private equity funds with national security contracts and M&A. Angela Styles is known for her work on CHIPS, grants, and the Buy American Act. At the counsel level, Elise Farrell advises on M&A, due diligence, internal investigations, and subpoena responses, while Marta Thompson is integral in education sector compliance and regulatory work.  Maureen McDonald left the firm in March 2023.

Sitting within the firm’s wider national security practice, Mayer Brown‘s government contracts offering is an asset to a host of prime and subcontractors, suppliers, and grantees across a range of industries, particularly aerospace and defense, healthcare, and IT. Routine engagements include assistance with bid protests, regulatory compliance, foreign military sales transactions, grants, and FOIA requests and disputes. Based in Washington DC, the team is led by Marcia Madsen, who is highly regarded for the breadth and depth of her experience in FCA defenses, internal investigations, audits, bid protests, and cybersecurity matters. Counsel Luke Levasseur has a strong record in federal litigation, and is frequently retained in contract disputes, bid protests, FCA cases, and internal investigations. Counsel Cameron Edlefsen left the firm in June 2023.

High-stakes bid protests and claims are the cornerstone of Vinson & Elkins LLP’s practice, also assisting major players in the aerospace and defense, healthcare, construction, and IT industries with prime/sub disputes, suspension and debarment proceedings, and government and internal investigations. David Johnson leads the Washington DC-based team, and has a wealth of experience in export controls, economic sanctions, and national security matters, as well as licensing, internal investigations, and voluntary disclosures. Jamie Tabb focuses on federal contracts, primarily bid protests, disputes, and litigation. At the counsel level, Tyler Robinson supports across the range of procurement and performance, and Elizabeth McIntyre excels in export controls, compliance counseling, and internal investigations.

Fronting a robust bid protests service, WilmerHale‘s government contracts practice also houses a dedicated team combining expertise in IP, government contract patent rights and cybersecurity. Members’ high security clearances make them an ideal choice for some of the biggest names in defense, aerospace, tech, and energy. Former Department of Defense and CIA general counsel Stephen Preston, whose expertise covers investigations, fraud, cybersecurity, and crisis management, leads the Washington DC-based group alongside Andrew Shipley, a reputable government contracts litigator with notable successes in bid protests, government enforcement actions, and claims and appeals. Barry Hurewitz works at the intersection of government transactions and tech and information regulation, while Erik Swabb assists defense contractors with government and internal investigations, as well as matters of national security.

Aerospace, defense, energy, engineering, healthcare, and life sciences contractors seeking government contracts advice at the federal, state, and local level rely on BakerHostetler for assistance with bid protests, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, and investigations. Leadership of the core team is split between Todd Canni, who joined the Los Angeles team from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in March 2023, and is a heavyweight in crises matters, high-profile bid protests, white collar defenses, and fraud allegations, and Washington DC’s Stephen Ruscus, who covers day-to-day counseling on complex and nuanced trade agreements, the Buy American Act, and healthcare and life sciences compliance. The addition of counsel Kevin Barnett from PilieroMazza LLP in October 2023 to the DC office expands the group’s bid protests, contract terminations, and equitable adjustments capacity.

Contractors across the aerospace, defense, life sciences, and healthcare sectors look to Dentons for assistance with a range of government contracts issues, including claims and disputes, investigations, costs and pricing, as well as bid protests. The team operates primarily out of Denver, led by Steven Masiello, who has a wealth of experience in government funded transactions, protests, and claims. Thomas Lemmer is a leading authority on costs accounting, and also counsels clients on contract formation and performance. Joseph Martinez is adept in bid protest litigation, contract and subcontract formation, and pricing issues, while Phillip Seckman focuses on commercial item acquisitions, GSA schedule contracting, cybersecurity, compliance, and internal investigations. In Dallas, Gale Monahan supports across the breadth of government contracts counseling, litigation, and internal and government investigations. Washington DC-based Seamus Curley joined the team in November 2023 from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, expanding the group’s capabilities in government leases and real estate.

DLA Piper LLP (US) enjoys long-standing trusted advisor relationships with government contractors in the defense, logistics, tech, and energy spaces, who regularly retain the team for investigations, M&A, claims, disputes, and compliance counseling. Sam Knowles and Dawn Stern have jointly assumed leadership of the Washington DC-based team. Knowles runs the gamut of litigation and client counseling, including high profile bid protests for Loyal Source, commercial item contract counseling for UPS, and incorporating expertise in IP, data rights, and FCA issues. Stern’s bread and butter is litigation, collaborating with the firm’s white collar experts on investigations, as well as undertaking claims and disputes work for clients like ANHAM. Former chair Richard Rector remains engaged on bid protests, claims, and disputes. Daniel Cook works extensively with the pharmaceutical, medical device, and life sciences sectors, and Brad Jorgensen in Austin focuses primarily on M&A support.

Having built a reputation for cost accounting counseling, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a valued resource for numerous contractors across the defense, aerospace, tech, and education industries also seeking support on regulatory compliance, corporate transactions, bid protests, and litigation. Leadership of the team falls to Dhananjay Manthripragada, who splits his time between Los Angeles and Washington DC, and focuses on investigations, FCA claims, and litigation, and Lindsay Paulin, who counts among her strengths bid protests, cost accounting, and suspension and debarment proceedings. The core team is based in DC, where Joseph West has recently been engaged in dispute resolution, fraud investigations, and issues relating to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Jonathan Phillips regularly defends contractors in FCA investigations and in related whistleblower litigation, while John Chesley excels in enforcement matters and litigation. Daniel Chung advises on investigations and bid protests, as well as regulatory compliance.

Leveraging expertise in IP matters, particularly related to complex and emerging technologies, Greenberg Traurig LLP‘s government contracts team splits its time between disputes and litigation, investigations, M&A, and regulatory advice. The practice is based in Washington DC, and led by Jeffery Chiow, who represents aerospace and defense contractors in bid protests of enterprise significance, alongside Michael Schaengold, who has substantial experience in FCA matters, government investigations, and litigation. Jennifer Zucker, who boasts active top security clearance, is highly regarded by aerospace, defense, and intelligence community contractors for both classified and unclassifed work. In addition to bet-the-company protests before the COFC and GAO, Shomari Wade has developed specialisms in small business matters and government contract finance. Melissa Prusock, who focuses on FCA actions, investigations, and audits, was promoted to shareholder in February 2023. Scott Schipma left the firm in February 2023.

Building its practice around litigation, particularly contract disputes, bid protests and claims, Husch Blackwell LLP is best known for its work in the federal construction, engineering support services, and healthcare contracting spaces. The team’s all-round capabilities are aptly demonstrated in its representation of Jacobs in bid protests and compliance matters involving NASA, the DOD, and the GSA. Brian Waagner chairs the group in Washington DC, and avails himself of expertise in compliance and contract administration, complex bid protests, disputes, and FCA matters. Hal Perloff focuses his practice on privatization of military housing and temporary lodging, domestic preference rules and labor standards. Steven Neeley fields subject matter mastery of small business matters and renewable energy, complementing contentious work with transactional and corporate experience. Michael Schrier operates at the intersection of government contracts, employment law, and litigation, and Cormac Connor is an asset in the defense of criminal and civil investigations.

K&L Gates offers a full government contracts service covering counseling, litigation, and regulatory representation to contractors in defense, IT, healthcare, construction, and emerging technologies. Collaboration with the firm’s public policy, IP, and international trade specialists also provides seamless access to advice on legal and business solutions in navigating federal, state, and local government relationships. Dallas-based Sheila Armstrong has assumed leadership of the team, and draws on a wealth of experience in cradle-to-grave procurement matters, including compliance, investigations, FCA defenses, and bid protests. In Newark, Rebecca Freed, who joined in July 2023 from Genova Burns LLC, assists with the regulatory frameworks surrounding procurement processes.

The fledgling government contracts practice at McDermott Will & Emery LLP is rapidly gaining ground in bid protests and claims litigation, inspiring the confidence of prominent names in the tech, professional services, and healthcare industries. Collaboration with the firm’s wider corporate, government investigations, employment, and cybersecurity specialists ensures a comprehensive service across all elements of the contracting life cycle. Leading the Washington DC-based team are Daniel Graham, a seasoned bid protests and prime/sub disputes litigator who also advises on compliance, transactions, and accounting, and Tara Ward, who is sought out for her specialized knowledge of the tech, defense, healthcare, and accountancy sectors.

Demonstrating strength in bid protests, claims, FCA suits, and investigations, Miller & Chevalier Chartered is frequently relied upon by defense, aerospace, life sciences, and energy contractors in navigating complex, high-stakes litigation. Seated in Washington DC, the practice is led by Jason Workmaster, whose prowess in contentious matters has been instrumental in, for example, CSI’s $70m contract claim before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals and C3.ai’s protest of a $443m CDC award. Alejandro Sarria is well-versed in high stakes litigation involving the DOD and the DOE, as well as regulatory advice, while Scott Flesch, who joined the firm in November 2023 from the US Department of the Army, is recognized for his talents in claims and disputes, bid protests, and suspension and debarment proceedings.

Engaging with some of the largest defense contractors, providers of IT and data management services, Perkins Coie LLP offers a comprehensive service in bid protests, contract claims litigation, cost accounting, transactions, and compliance counseling. Washington DC’s Seth Locke, who advises on protests, contract performance issues, cost accounting claims, and M&A, leads the practice alongside Seattle’s Richard Oehler, who specializes in investigations, prime/sub disputes, Freedom of Information Act litigation, and export compliance matters. The DC team is rounded out by Kelley Doran, who has built significant experience in healthcare contracting and cybersecurity, Gary Campbell, who represents companies in the aerospace, defense, and IT sectors, and Alexander Canizares, who supports on disputes, bid protests, as well as internal, government, and FCA investigations.

Following the merger of Smith Currie & Hancock and Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker LLP in June 2023, the expanded team at Smith Currie Oles offers a specialized emphasis on construction contracting with federal, state, and local governments, including recently representing both prime and subcontractors on the huge termination for convenience of the southern border wall. Procurement counseling, bid protests, and claims for aerospace, defense, and maritime clients also feature heavily in the group’s routine work. Howard Roth, who focuses on claims and appeals, IP rights, the Buy American Act, and maritime contracting and bid protests, and Jacob Scott, who excels in protests, contract administration, and small business issues, jointly lead the practice from Seattle and DC, respectively. Half the team is based in Seattle, featuring a number of construction government contract experts: Douglas Oles, Eric Forner, and Of Counsel James Nagle. In Atlanta, Lochlin Samples, Karl Dix, Jonathan Mayo, and Scott Walters support on claims, disputes, and compliance counseling, while Garrett Miller has a niche in assisting service and emergency relief contractors. DC-based Allison Geewax joined the firm in September 2023 from Asmar, Schor & McKenna.

Contractors in the life sciences, telecoms, intelligence, logistics, and manufacturing industries enjoy comprehensive support from Thompson Hine LLP  on regulatory compliance, procurement and termination process, contractual performance, and dispute resolution. Francis Purcell chairs the Washington DC-based practice, leveraging extensive counseling and litigation experience to assist with pre- and post-award disputes, M&A, subcontractor issues, and small business matters. Jessica Haire focuses on contract negotiations, and federal and state claims, as well as bid protests and litigation, while Ryan Spiegel is highly valued for his regulatory compliance guidance, business counseling, and dispute resolution expertise. Counsel Joe Berger is a key contact for bid protests, litigation, investigations, and FCA cases.

Bid protests and disputes are the cornerstone of Venable LLP‘s government contracts practice, with prominent defense and healthcare contractors seeking the firm’s services for large, high-stakes litigation. Paul Debolt, who accompanies clients through bidding and selection processes, contract performance, and termination, heads the Washington DC office, while Scott Hommer, who assists tech companies working in Defense, Treasury, and State Department contexts, leads from Virginia. In DC, Dismas Locaria advises on regulatory issues, and suspension and debarment proceedings, and Rebecca Pearson is proficient in defense, healthcare, and IT sector litigation, while Virgina’s James Boland is frequently retained in bid protests by major defense and intelligence names. At the counsel level, Christopher Griesedieck‘s work encompasses defense, logistics and IT contract disputes, and Michael Francel, who was promoted in January 2023, has accrued experience in SAFETY Act designation and certification disputes, as well as homeland security and large public venues. Both are based in DC.

 

Caleb McCallum; Lindsay Reed; Allison Siegel

Drawing on extensive litigation expertise, Williams & Connolly LLP broadens its reach into the government contracts space through internal and governmental investigations, disputes, FCA matters, and complex civil, criminal and administrative litigation. Healthcare contractors in particular value the team’s specialized knowledge of false billing and reporting, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, and rebates and purchase discounts. The practice operates out of Washington DC, with national security, aerospace, and defense expert Edward Reddington and patent litigation, class actions, and investigations specialist Greg Bowman. Christopher Manning focuses on FCA, Anti-Terrorism Act, and securities and financial services litigation, while Christopher Mandernach represents defense-industry clients in national security, claims, and disputes matters.