Dow Lohnes's government contracts lawyers advise clients during all stages of the procurement process and provide counsel on a full range of government contract issues, including all aspects of becoming a federal contractor or subcontractor, with particular emphasis on compliance with applicable federal policies and regulatory requirements. Dow Lohnes also assists clients in identifying and acquiring government grants, including grants for research, facilities, instruction and support services, with a particular emphasis on grants involving telecommunications technologies.
Government Contracts
Dow Lohnes counsels clients during the formation of government contracts for the procurement of products and services, either through sealed bidding or contract negotiation. We review and evaluate Invitations for Bids (IFBs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and advise clients regarding the preparation of IFB and RFP responses. To ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, Dow Lohnes lawyers assist clients in interpreting applicable statues, the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and agency rules which implement or supplement the FAR. Dow Lohnes also represents clients in bid protests when disagreements arise in connection with the award or proposed award of a government contract. Our lawyers pursue bid protests before the procuring agencies, the General Accounting Office, and the Court of Federal Claims. We also are able to assist clients in connection with federal supply schedule contracting.
Dow Lohnes attorneys advise clients on a myriad of issues that arise during contract performance. For example, Dow Lohnes provides counsel with regard to government change orders and equitable adjustments to compensate a company whose contract has been changed. We also assist clients in resolving disputes that arise during the performance of a government contract, and our lawyers prosecute claims for additional time and money before contracting officers, the Boards of Contract Appeals, and in federal court. We also represent contractors in connection with contract terminations, including terminations for convenience and default, and in suspension and debarment proceedings when the government pursues this form of administrative remedy.
Because of Dow Lohnes's involvement in the telecommunications and information technology marketplace, our attorneys are especially equipped to advise clients in connection with telecommunications and information technology contracting. For example, Dow Lohnes attorneys have developed special expertise regarding the protection of intellectual property rights in technology developed for, purchased by or licensed to the federal government. Our lawyers analyze intellectual property issues in reviewing and responding to Requests for Proposals and, in appropriate cases, draft license terms and intellectual property notices regarding the grant of limited rights in technical data.
Dow Lohnes advises clients concerning compliance with federal policies applicable to government contracting. For example, Dow Lohnes attorneys have extensive experience in matters relating to compliance with the various EEO and affirmative action obligations applicable to government contractors and subcontractors. Among other things, Dow Lohnes assists clients in developing and implementing affirmative action plans, as well as small business and minority subcontracting plans. We advise clients on developing systems and document retention policies to comply with government contract document retention rules and related matters.
Dow Lohnes also assists clients in performing due diligence with regard to the acquisition of or investment in companies that have contracts with the federal government or that act as subcontractors on federal government contracts. Dow Lohnes attorneys also assist clients in conducting internal investigations and responding to government inquiries relating to allegations of misconduct in the procurement or performance of government contracts. For example, Dow Lohnes lawyers have conducted investigations in a variety of procurement contexts, including those involving alleged fraud, false certifications, False Claim Act violations, and other matters.
Government Grants
Dow Lohnes assists clients in identifying opportunities for clients to secure grants and cooperative agreements from Federal agencies and departments. Dow Lohnes works with clients to position them to be more effective in winning competitive grants, including providing current information on agency priorities and in crafting applications that are responsive to such priorities. Dow Lohnes also assists clients in lobbying Congress in the creation of new grant programs, the amending of existing programs that make clients' projects highly competitive, the development and implementation of political support strategies, and the securing of targeted appropriations to support client initiatives.
After the award, Dow Lohnes assists clients in assuring compliance with grant terms and procedures and, if needed, in defending against claims arising under the grant, ranging from contracts-under-grant disputes to audits and reviews of grant performance, including disputes involving calculation of indirect cost recovery rates.