GAO Bid Protest Tips for Challenging Set-Aside Decisions

In a GAO bid protest that challenges the agency’s small business set aside decision, contractors would have to focus on facts pertaining to the prior procurement history, the recommendations of appropriate small business specialists, and market surveys that include responses to sources sought announcements. This one reason why government contracting agencies issue… Read more »

Government Shutdown and Contractor Claims

The government shutdown could impact the amount of claims or equitable adjustments submitted by contractors. However, as for any claim under the Contract Disputes Act, businesses must be aware that such claims must be directly related to the contract itself. A common issue that will arise is the ability of contractors to pay their… Read more »

Discrimination in the Workplace For Employers & Government Contractors

Discrimination in the Workplace — Practices to Avoid When it comes to employer discrimination in the workplace, government contractors are subjected to strict compliance with workplace discrimination laws. Your contract contains specific statutory language to that effect. Therefore, especially for larger contractors, you must ensure that your supervisors are familiar with the laws… Read more »

FAR Code of Ethics for Contractors

In 2008, under FAR 52.203-13, “Contractor Code of Conduct and Business Ethics and Conduct” – the clause promulgated that appears in all Federal prime contracts that exceed $5 million and have a period of performance of 120 days or more and is required to be included in subcontracts of that dollar… Read more »

Government Contractor Defense Lawyers

Theodore P. Watson, Esq.Watson & Associates, LLC professionals often serve as government contractor defense attorneys. when the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Office of Inspector General ( OIG) comes knocking on your door. The importance of having a strong legal defense early in the investigation stage means having legal… Read more »

Seven Tips For Contractors During The Federal Government Shutdown

With Congress still at a gridlock in approving a spending bill, Federal Agencies across the Nation have begun to close their doors and send employees home. The impact of the government shutdown carries a ripple effect that may include government contract claims. While there is not currently a fixed end in sight,… Read more »

Federal Government Construction Contracts

Indulging in Federal construction contracts can be very lucrative in the federal procurement world. However, the risk of non-performance is definitely present and any federal construction contracting company must approach projects with caution.  As a contractor, you should be aware that you are dealing with an extremely large client with a… Read more »

Breach of Contract Termination Letter

Drafting a contract termination letter starts with the basis for the termination and making sure that the underlying reason for the letter does not breach the contract. This section deals primarily with when you receive a contract termination letter from the federal government. This can be for a termination for… Read more »

Understanding the Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR)

  (Failure to Understand the Basics Can Cost You Hundreds of Thousands in Litigation or Criminal Liability? What are the Federal Acquisitions Regulations ( FAR)? The  Federal Acquisitions Regulations ( FAR) are codified in Title 48 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations. It is issued pursuant to the Office of Federal… Read more »

Federal Scope of Work Construction Changes

Construction scope of work changes is commonplace on any federal construction project. As a general contractor, the “changes clause” allows the government or owner to make changes to the scope of work (SOW) after the contract performance period starts. Having a thorough understanding of the the contract terms and conditions can make a… Read more »