The Strange and Wondrous World of Federal Contracts - i.e. Platypus

Federal procurement contracting is a world unto itself. It is unique and mysterious to those that don't deal with it regularly. I liken it to a platypus. A platypus is a strange and unusual mammal. It is a three pound, aquatic, air breathing, carnivore that gives birth by lying an egg. It has a tail like a beaver, a body like an otter and a bill and feet like a duck. In other words, it looks like something put together by a government committee. I've always felt that a platypus was the ultimate government acquisition contract. It has a very unique and limited geographical niche and very few people have ever seen one let alone know how to deal with it.

There are hundreds of thousands of competent attorneys that understand commercial /private contract law. There are only a relatively few that understand Federal Acquisition Law. I have been in the government contracting field since 1982 when I started as a Contract Negotiator (1102) with the Air Logistic Center in Tinker AFB. Since then, as an attorney, I have advised innumerable contractors on their rights and responsibilities under government procurements and contracts. I also had the rare opportunity to work as a contract administrator for three years on a major research and development contract for a private contractor as well, giving me incredibly valuable insight into the contractor mind set.

I handle bid protests before the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as well as disputes/claims before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) as well as the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA). I am also licensed before the Court of Federal Claims and The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Most importantly, after 40 years of dealing with "platypuses" I can give you an honest assessment of the strength of your situation as well as help you situate your company to increase your ability to compete more successfully in the federal contracting arena. Some of the services I provide are listed below. In addition, I am corporate counsel for several small businesses and provide a full range of services for companies that don't need or can't afford a full-time lawyer on their staffs. Feel free to call (917) 992-8004 or email me (DAppel@AppelLawOffice.com) to discuss your situation and how I can help you with any of your corporate or government contracting needs.

Bid Protests

  • Agency Protests
  • GAO Protests
  • Court of Federal Claims Protest

Appeals of Contracting Officer's Final Decision

  • Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals
  • Civilian Board of Contract Appeals
  • Court of Federal Claims

Government Contractor Claims and Request for Equitable Adjustments

  • Contract Claims
  • Equitable Adjustments

Debarment and Suspensions

Termination of Government Contracts

  • Termination for Convenience
  • Termination for Default
  • Termination for Cause

Contract Agreements

  • Teaming Agreements
  • Joint Venture Agreements
  • Confidentiality Agreements
  • Novation Agreements

Regulatory

  • Buy American Act
  • Trade Agreements Act
  • Services Contract Act
  • Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
  • Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)

SBA Programs

  • 8(a)
  • HubZones
  • SDVOSB
  • WOSB

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