Ice Miller’s Government Contracts and Grants Practice covers the entire lifecycle of federal contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. Our attorneys understand government contractors require cost-effective legal services tailored to their size, strategic focus, customer base, and geographic reach. Whether your business is developing next-generation defense and national security-related technologies or simply trying to break into the confusing and sometimes burdensome federal contracting marketplace, Ice Miller will meet you
right where you are and help your company meet its goals.
We represent companies across the country, regularly providing practical and industry-relevant advice in the following areas:
Bid Protests. Bid protests are an inevitable part of doing business with the government, and we regularly represent companies in bid protests before federal agencies, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the United States Court of Federal Claims.
Claims and Disputes. Disputes between the government, prime contractors, and subcontractors can be unavoidable. When disputes arise, we help contractors protect their rights under the Contract Disputes Act, which contains mandatory requirements for claims against the government. When claims cannot be amicably resolved, we represent contractors in litigation before the United States Court of Federal Claims, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, and the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.
Data Security and Privacy. Our team provides end-to-end coverage of data security and privacy issues for government contractors. We aid clients in developing information security and privacy programs and counsel them on the unique cybersecurity requirements applicable to government contractors.
Grants and Cooperative Agreements. Federal grant recipients and cooperative agreement participants are subject to a number of statutory, regulatory, and other compliance obligations. Our team regularly helps institutes of higher education, local governments, and other entities who receive federal funds understand and comply with these requirements. Further, we represent clients in audits, investigations, and litigation related to grants, cooperative agreements, and other financial assistance transactions.
Intellectual Property, Data Rights, and Trade Secrets. Our team uses its deep understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to help clients protect their IP when they contract with the government. Further, our team offers a full range of IP legal services related to patents, trademarks, and copyrights. We also prepare and negotiate licenses and other contracts for the protection or commercialization of IP assets.
False Claims Act and Internal Investigations. We defend clients in numerous False Claims Act investigations and litigation. Our experience includes civil and criminal claims involving the pharmaceutical, defense, health care, and higher education industries.
International Trade and Export Compliance. Our team helps clients comply with international trade and export compliance requirements, including those related to: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
Labor & Employment Issues in Government Contracts. Our team represents government contractors in all matters related to compliance with the Service Contract Act, the Davis-Bacon Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Executive Orders, and other federal, state, and local requirements.
Mergers and Acquisitions. Our corporate team provides comprehensive legal services to buyers and sellers of government contracts for transactions involving all aspects of buying, selling, and combining businesses and entities, including related equity, debt, and mezzanine financings.
Public Affairs and Lobbying. Today's complex and rapidly-changing federal marketplace can require government contractors to educate congressional and executive branch decision makers about important issues facing their companies. Our team of former congressional staffers has a proven record of implementing public affairs strategies to meet these types of needs.
Small Business Set-Asides, Joint Ventures, and other Strategic Alliances. Our team has significant experience with issues arising under the various small business set-aside programs administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Further, we help large and small businesses take advantage of set-aside opportunities through joint ventures, mentor-protégé agreements, and other strategic alliances.
Suspension and Debarment. A suspension or debarment that prohibits a company from doing business with the government can have catastrophic impacts. We help companies develop ethics and compliance programs to help avoid such impacts. Further, when companies are proposed for suspension or debarment, we defend them in investigations, settlement discussions, and litigation.