United States: Government Contracts, Procurement & PPP

The Government Accountability Office recently affirmed the Navy's authority to preserve critical manufacturing capacity through sole-source contracting, even when an incumbent contractor remains capable of meeting requirements. This decision addresses whether defense agencies must prove a manufacturer will exit the market without a contract, or whether a reasonable basis for industrial mobilization concerns suffices. The ruling has significant implications for contractors investing in specialized defense ma

Determines that domestic petroleum production, refining and logistics capacity are essential to national defense and waives statutory requirements under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act (DPA; P.L. 81-774) to accelerate capacity expansion, authorizing the Secretary of War to make purchases, commitments and provide financial support for related projects.

Three seasoned government affairs professionals bring decades of combined experience in federal and state policy, food and agriculture regulation, and legislative strategy. Their expertise spans congressional advocacy, USDA and FDA regulatory navigation, and California state government relations, offering clients comprehensive guidance across the political and regulatory landscape.

Licensed customs brokers face two critical deadlines in 2027, not just one. While the triennial status report is due in February, the continuing education requirements must be completed by January 31st.

The PFAS landscape is evolving quickly, bringing new challenges and opportunities for organizations across the public and private sectors. This discussion explores recent legal and regulatory developments, funding opportunities for cleanup and infrastructure improvements, and emerging litigation trends.

The current Administration has made clear that tariffs are a priority, whether through broad tariff policies or aggressive task forces targeting alleged customs and trade fraud.

The Department of Justice's Fraud Division has issued new guidance establishing a coordinated framework for corporate fraud investigations, prioritizing healthcare fraud, government contract fraud, tax evasion, and tariff violations. The directive introduces ten aggravating factors that prosecutors must weigh heavily when recommending charges or resolutions, with particular emphasis on management involvement and schemes that threaten national security or cause substantial financial harm. Companies operating

In 1980, the Department of Justice pursued a civil action against William “Billy” Carter, brother of then-President Jimmy Carter, who had allegedly received payments from the Libyan government without registering under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”). The matter soon raised questions about possible White House involvement, prompting a Senate investigation into Mr. Carter and his relations with Libya.

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”) was enacted by Congress in 1938 to require individuals doing political or advocacy work within the United States on behalf of a foreign principal, to register their activities and relationship with the Department of Justice (DOJ). FARA was enacted just prior to the United States entry into World War II, with the objective of increasing transparency regarding foreign propaganda and influence in the United States, particularly associated with the Axis powers. The Act does not prohibit any behavior, but it requires disclosure where foreign principals are involved.