Courses

The Federal Government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world. The statutes, regulations, case law and other requirements that govern the government's expenditure of over $750 billion every year are the subject of this seminar. These requirements are based in traditional contract concepts and principles, as modified to satisfy unique congressionally-mandated requirements for selling to the Government. These special requirements include: The unique procedures used to award Government contracts; Differences in the treatment of "commercial items" procured by the Government; Unusual contract administration rights possessed by the Government (e.g., the unilateral right to terminate a contract for "convenience," or to change the specified deliverables); The contract claims and dispute resolution process, including the different forums and procedures involved when litigating Government contract claims; Important ethical obligations applicable to Government contractors; How the Government facilitates socio-economic goals (e.g., small business, and other contract preferences) through the use of special clauses; and The intersection of Government contracting obligations and the unique remedies available to the Government in fighting fraud. Government contract practitioners—whether they work for a law firm, a Government agency or a company selling to the Government—need to be familiar with all of the above, but each will then focus on the requirements that are most important to their respective clients. The course serves as an introduction to this body of law, which can be described as a blend of traditional contract law, administrative law and litigation practice. Guest speakers provide different perspectives on the issues.