Practice Areas & Industries: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Practice/Industry Group Overview

The United States federal government spends approximately $450 billion every year in procuring goods and services. Selling to the federal government, however, entails navigating through a labyrinth of agency procurement regulations and procedures which at times may seem confusing and overwhelming.

Services Available

Many of the attorneys in the Federal Procurement Practice Group at Barnes &Thornburg LLP have worked at various governmental agencies and, therefore, are able to advise clients on policies regarding procurement. Our attorneys keep abreast of changes in current regulations and the effect those changes have on procurement guidelines and measures.

Our attorneys counsel clients at every stage of the federal procurement process, from contract formation to issues arising during the performance of an awarded contract. Our attorneys are also knowledgeable on related issues, including:

• Federal appropriations and earmarks
• Privatization and outsourcing
• Prime and subcontractor arrangements/agreements
• Teaming agreements
• Mentor protégé agreements
• Federal grants
• Environmental compliance
• Federal relations
• Patent and technical data rights
• Technology transactions and licenses
• Customs and export controls
• Service Contract Act and federal employment issues
• False Claims Act

When federal procurement disputes or bid protests arise for our clients, our attorneys can litigate these claims or protests. We help our clients seek creative resolutions to bid protests and claims litigation and guide clients through the Alternative Dispute Resolution process when appropriate.

Our attorneys also assist businesses in the defense of fraud and False Claims Act cases, including defense of claims brought by whistleblowers (qui tam cases) who allege deceptive practices with regard to federal procurement.

Our bipartisan team of attorneys and non-attorneys work together on behalf of our clients to address policy issues that affect government contracting. We assist clients in bringing to the forefront issues that directly impact their industries by setting up meetings with lawmakers and government officials and submitting comments to governmental agencies on proposed rules, regulations, and statutes. We actively seek to maintain a strong presence in the government contracting arena so that we will be able to identify potential issues affecting our clients as well as respond effectively to those issues.