Government Contracts Practice Group
Bass, Berry & Sims’ Government Contracts Practice Group provides counseling, litigation and transactional support for companies that contract with federal, state and local governments and was named a Highly Regarded practice by Chambers USA 2021. Our clients range from public and private businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies with complex government contracting issues to small and emerging businesses just entering government markets in a wide variety of industries including aerospace, information technology, management consulting, defense, biotechnology, electronics, healthcare, construction, logistics support and cyber security.
Because compliance begins with a clear and accurate contract, Bass, Berry & Sims’ GovCon attorneys help businesses understand, negotiate, review, and navigate government contracts. They advise clients on the full spectrum of government contracting regulations including FAR, DFARS, GSA & VA FSS, EEO and FOCI among others. To maintain compliance, they also provide ethics and corporate training.
The attorneys in this practice also are involved in litigation. They prosecute and defend federal and state bid protests at the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), the US Court of Federal Claims, and various state venues, and they represent small businesses in size protests and size appeals at SBA’s Area Offices and Office of Hearings and Appeals. In addition, they handle claims against federal and state governments, prime and subcontract disputes, and False Claims Act and Procurement Fraud investigations.
Our GovCon attorneys have significant experience in transactional work as well. They advise clients through contract formation – providing pre-award advice on RFPs and assisting in drafting and negotiating contracts and agreements – as well as support clients through administration processes and reporting obligations required of businesses on the GSA and VA Federal Supply Schedule. They also support mergers and acquisitions involving government contractors, advising on structuring transactions, coordination with regulatory agencies and post-closing integration.
Whether they are guiding companies through M&A transactions, or assisting clients to ensure compliance and manage risk that comes with doing business with the federal government, our team is intimately familiar with the full spectrum of issues that impact government contractors. In order to meet the diverse needs of our clients, our Government Contracts practice often collaborates with other practice areas within the firm which enables us to present an integrated and cost-effective solution for our clients’ business needs.
For more information, visit the Government Contracts practice at Bass, Berry & Sims PLC.
International Trade Practice Group
Bass, Berry & Sims’ International Trade Practice Group helps clients navigate the complex regulations associated with a global marketplace. Our Chambers-ranked lawyers are experienced in guiding clients through challenging issues related to economic sanctions (OFAC), exports (DDTC and the ITAR; BIS and the EAR), anti-bribery (the FCPA; DOJ and SEC), anti-boycott regulations (OAC and Treasury), and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
The team works with public and private businesses, ranging from companies with minor operations outside the United States to large corporations with a vast international presence. Our clients operate in a wide range of industry sectors, including aviation, construction, defense, energy, engineering, financial services, manufacturing, medical, professional services, technology and transportation.
With international trade matters tightly linked to ever-changing U.S. foreign policy, our team provides clients with essential – and current – guidance to help them understand and meet their obligations. And we collaborate closely with our clients: we thrive when we get to roll up our sleeves and work directly with our clients to address and tackle issues together. Clients rely on us for a range of services including:
- Counseling on international M&A and other transactions, including conducting and supporting due diligence.
- Providing risk-based compliance strategies and addressing day-to-day compliance questions.
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures.
- Preparing and managing compliance audits.
- Implementing process enhancements and corrective actions.
- Leading and conducting internal investigations.
- Supporting clients in making voluntary disclosures and notifications to the government.
- Representing clients in government investigations.
- Negotiating with government agencies on settlements and penalties.
By collaborating with attorneys across legal disciplines, we are able to provide comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to achieve our clients’ business objectives. For more information, visit the International Trade practice at Bass, Berry & Sims PLC.