Vedder is an international business-focused law firm serving sophisticated clients of all sizes and industries from offices across the U.S. and in the UK and Asia.

A Business Focused Law Firm With a Global Reach | Vedder

Vedder’s Government Contracts team helps companies compete, perform, and grow in the public sector with confidence. We understand how agencies operate and how contractors succeed, and we apply that insight to help clients manage risk, protect value, and keep critical work on track. Our lawyers advise first-time market entrants, established federal suppliers, investors, and buyers of government-focused businesses.

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We handle bid protests at the Government Accountability Office and the Court of Federal Claims, resolve complex claims and performance disputes, and represent clients before boards, courts, and agencies. We also guide companies through audits, investigations, and False Claims Act matters, providing strategies that contain issues and support ongoing performance. Beyond disputes, we deliver practical business-focused counseling on proposal development, pricing and cost issues, subcontracting strategies, regulatory compliance, and mandatory disclosures. Our team supports public-private partnerships, grant-funded projects, global procurement, and matters involving the Buy American Act, the Trade Agreements Act, and export controls. We also advise on mergers and acquisitions involving government contractors, including contract-related liabilities, security and foreign investment considerations, novations, and post-closing transitions. Across all engagements, we help clients navigate complex regulations, anticipate challenges, and operate with confidence in a highly regulated and time-sensitive marketplace. We provide practical guidance, strong advocacy, and real results that support long-term success in the government sector.

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Bid Protests and Award Challenges

Our team represents contractors in all aspects of bid protests, including challenges to agency awards and the defense of awarded work. We regularly appear before the Government Accountability Office, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, agency tribunals, and state and federal courts. Our experience includes filing protests that are sustained or that prompt agencies to take corrective action that protects our clients’ competitive standing. We also assist awardees and agencies in defending procurement decisions and in resolving protests efficiently. In every matter, we focus on timely, strategic advocacy that preserves opportunities and supports successful contract performance.

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Claims, Disputes, and Contract Performance

When the government or a prime contractor overreaches or fails to meet its obligations, contractors often need to assert claims to protect their rights and recover added costs or time. Our team guides clients through every stage of this process, from identifying and evaluating potential claims to preparing and negotiating Requests for Equitable Adjustment and formal claims. When disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, we represent clients in litigation before boards, courts, and agencies. Our approach is practical and business focused, helping clients preserve contract value and keep performance on track.

False Claims Proceedings and Qui Tam Actions

Allegations of fraud, whether brought by the government or by qui tam relators, present significant risk for contractors. These matters can involve substantial financial exposure, including treble damages and civil penalties, as well as the possibility of suspension or debarment. Our team assists clients in all phases of False Claims Act inquiries, from conducting internal investigations to responding to agency, OIG, and DOJ scrutiny. We also represent companies and individuals in federal court when allegations of fraud or misconduct arise. Our focus is on managing risk, containing issues quickly, and protecting the client’s ability to continue performing government work.

Government Audits, Investigations, and Claims

Government oversight of contractors continues to expand, and companies must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively when inquiries arise. A wide range of agencies conduct financial audits, performance reviews, and investigations into suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or other misconduct. Understanding the scope of an inquiry and the potential exposure is critical to protecting the company’s interests.

Our team represents clients in all types of audits, investigations, and government claims. We assist with routine and complex matters involving agencies such as the Defense Contract Audit Agency, Offices of Inspector General, the Defense Contract Management Agency, military investigative services, the Department of Justice, Congress, and other oversight bodies. Our work includes addressing technical questions, responding to government demands, managing sensitive investigations, and guiding clients through matters that may carry civil or criminal implications.

In every engagement, we help clients quickly assess the facts, understand the applicable standards, and develop a practical and efficient strategy for resolution that supports ongoing contract performance and minimizes business disruption.

Counseling on Obtaining and Performing Public Contracts

We advise clients on every phase of the government contracting process, including identifying opportunities, developing prime and subcontracting strategies, preparing proposals, securing awards, and resolving issues that arise during contract performance. Our team also has extensive experience with cooperative agreements, grants, and other funding instruments across major federal agencies, as well as with state and international procurement regimes.

We help companies navigate the regulatory and contractual requirements that apply to government work, including cost accounting, cost allowability, reporting obligations, and voluntary or mandatory disclosures. Our work includes supporting public-private partnerships, privatization initiatives, research collaborations, cooperative agreements, and grant-funded projects. We focus on practical guidance that aligns compliance obligations with business goals.

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Companies involved in federal contracts or subcontracts must implement a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and maintain a compliance program that fits the nature and size of their operations. We assist with designing and implementing these programs, including policies and procedures, training, and internal audit frameworks.

We have significant experience assisting contractors when the government terminates a contract for default or for convenience. Our team helps clients contest default terminations, negotiate settlements, and position their business for continuity and recovery.

We support clients in drafting, negotiating, and administering teaming agreements, joint ventures, and subcontracts. Our attorneys advise both prime contractors and subcontractors on partnership structures, compliance with set-aside requirements, and dispute resolution.

Compliance with the Buy American Act and the Trade Agreements Act is essential for companies supplying goods to the government. We assist clients in analyzing country-of-origin obligations, pursuing waivers where appropriate, and obtaining final determinations from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Across all counseling matters, our focus is on providing clear, actionable guidance that helps clients compete effectively, maintain compliance, and perform successfully in the public sector.

Suspension and Debarment

Contractors face a growing range of actions that can trigger suspension or debarment, including conduct that is unrelated to the performance of a government contract. These proceedings pose significant business risk, making it essential to respond quickly, understand the agency’s concerns, and take steps that demonstrate present responsibility.

Our team assists clients in all phases of suspension and debarment matters. We help companies evaluate potential issues early, make appropriate disclosures, and implement corrective measures that may prevent a proceeding from being initiated. When action is already underway, we represent clients in discussions with agency officials and develop strategies to resolve concerns and support reinstatement.

We have assisted companies and individuals in matters involving a wide range of alleged offenses and have engaged with suspension and debarment officials across numerous federal agencies. Our focus is on protecting eligibility for government work and preserving long-term business opportunities.

Mergers and Acquisitions of Government Contracts

Mergers and acquisitions offer significant growth opportunities, but they also carry unique compliance risks and potential liabilities associated with government contracts. Understanding these risks is critical to structuring transactions, evaluating deal value, and ensuring long-term success.

Our team advises clients on all aspects of government contract-related transactions. We help identify and address risks during due diligence, draft contract provisions tailored to the government contracting environment, and resolve Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) concerns. We have experience negotiating FOCI mitigation plans, obtaining and maintaining U.S. security clearances, and guiding clients through Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews.

After a transaction, we assist with a seamless business transition, including retention of size status, contract novations, and continued compliance with applicable government requirements. Our goal is to help clients complete acquisitions with confidence and maintain uninterrupted government contract performance.

State and Local Government Procurement

Our team advises clients on procurements conducted by state and local government agencies, helping them navigate complex rules and requirements with confidence. We have a strong track record of supporting clients through all phases of state and local projects, from identifying opportunities and preparing proposals to managing performance and resolving disputes. Our approach focuses on practical guidance and strategic advocacy to ensure successful outcomes in the public sector at every level.

Small Business

Our team helps small businesses navigate the unique requirements and opportunities of the federal marketplace, as well as assists larger companies seeking to partner with or invest in small enterprises. We guide clients through all aspects of small business participation, including securing regulatory certifications under the Small Business Administration’s size and socioeconomic programs, obtaining approval for the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program, and defending against challenges such as suspension or revocation of size certifications. We also handle SBA size protests and appeals.

Whether representing small businesses or their larger partners, we provide practical guidance and strategic advocacy to support successful participation, partnerships, and growth in the government contracting sector.

DC Regulatory and Government Services

False Claims Act Litigation and Investigation

Kelly Buroker and Jeffrey Lowry to Speak at Pub K Annual Review

Vedder Price Recognized in Chambers USA in 2024

Vedder Price Recognized in Chambers USA in 2025

The United States Court of Federal Claims Issues Favorable Ruling on “Other Transaction” Authority Jurisdiction

The Government Accounting Office’s Decision in SteerBridge Strategies, LLC Provides an Important Reminder: Government Contractors Should Consider Challenging Issues with Solicitation Language Before Proposal Submission

Government Contracts

Insights & Events

Kelly Buroker to Moderate Panel at ABA 2026 Procurement Institute

2026 False Claims Act Refresh

Vedder Price Recognized in Chambers USA in 2025

Recent Court of Federal Claims Decision Invoking Loper Bright Demonstrates Agency Discretion is Not Boundless

The Government Accounting Office’s Decision in SteerBridge Strategies, LLC Provides an Important Reminder: Government Contractors Should Consider Challenging Issues with Solicitation Language Before Proposal Submission

The United States Court of Federal Claims Issues Favorable Ruling on “Other Transaction” Authority Jurisdiction

Kelly Buroker and Jeffrey Lowry to Speak at Pub K Annual Review

Vedder Price Recognized in Chambers USA in 2024

Primary Contacts

Related Areas

Insights & Events

Kelly Buroker to Moderate Panel at ABA 2026 Procurement Institute

2026 False Claims Act Refresh

Vedder Price Recognized in Chambers USA in 2025

Recent Court of Federal Claims Decision Invoking Loper Bright Demonstrates Agency Discretion is Not Boundless

The Government Accounting Office’s Decision in SteerBridge Strategies, LLC Provides an Important Reminder: Government Contractors Should Consider Challenging Issues with Solicitation Language Before Proposal Submission

The United States Court of Federal Claims Issues Favorable Ruling on “Other Transaction” Authority Jurisdiction

Kelly Buroker and Jeffrey Lowry to Speak at Pub K Annual Review

Vedder Price Recognized in Chambers USA in 2024

Primary Contacts

Related Areas

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