Government Contracts

Doing business with the government can be lucrative but it involves significant risks not present in commercial contracting. Special rules, many carrying criminal and civil fraud penalties, restrict the activities of government contractors and their employees. Mandatory contract provisions give the government legal rights far broader than those available to commercial buyers. These provisions also implement the government's social and economic goals, affecting everything from how much a business pays its employees to the suppliers with which it works.

We counsel companies in the broad federal procurement market. Many of our attorneys once worked for the government. We know the government personnel involved in the procurement process, including contracting officials, attorneys and auditors. We understand how government agencies approach procurement through traditional competitive acquisition procedures as well as through commercial item procurement and the new FAA and Homeland Security procedures. We counsel clients regarding state and local government contract matters and have sophisticated experience regarding small business issues.

Our clients include national and international companies in the aerospace, maritime, energy, high technology, communications, electronics, environmental, nuclear and construction industries. We help these clients negotiate prime contracts and subcontracts, ensure compliance with procurement regulations and protect their rights to technical and proprietary data. We also advise clients on international government contract matters, including foreign military sales and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. And we keep clients informed of significant legislative and regulatory procurement developments.

Government contract disputes, which are common, can involve a variety of claims and issues, including defective specifications, constructive changes, delay and disruption claims, terminations and bid protests. We have developed significant experience to help clients efficiently resolve disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution procedures. Our track record in these matters is outstanding.

Whether a client's needs are counseling regarding federal procurement requirements, bid protest litigation, defense or prosecution of government contract claims, or dispute resolution, Perkins Coie has the experience and resources to meet these needs.