Government Contracts
Compliance Backgrounder
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Contract Administration Is Critical: Contract administration requirements
can be a trap for inadvertent violations, which may result in civil and criminal
liability under the False Claims Act, as well as suspension and debarment.
Adequate contract administration not only is required to ensure compliance
with the many unique government requirements, but also is critical for a
contractor to affirmatively demonstrate compliance when challenged by the
Government, sometimes years after performance is complete.
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Cost Accounting Issues: Cost accounting requirements are complex and
burdensome. Government contractors are subject to a number of cost
accounting principles and practices that can dramatically affect the way that
companies do business. For example, the Cost Accounting Standards
("CAS") dictate the way in which a contractor must maintain its accounting
system and how it must account for certain types of costs. Failure to adhere
to CAS or other cost principles may lead to false claims liability and/or
substantial unilateral reductions to the contract price.
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International Risks: Doing business internationally triggers additional
requirements under federal laws and regulations, including the Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act and export control laws.
Enforcement actions can
result in steep financial penalties for companies, and even the criminal
prosecutions of individuals.
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Know The Rules: Sovereign immunity is a powerful shield! Many traditional
remedies are not available against the Government. Contractors are
presumed to know the law and must be extra careful to protect themselves
and mitigate the risks in contracting with the Government.
How Morrison & Foerster Can Help
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We provide advice and counseling to clients through the full range of
government business transactions, from the contract formation process
through performance and close-out of the contract.
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Our government contracts team has represented clients in the information
technology, defense, electronics, aerospace, shipbuilding, health care,
national security and intelligence, biotechnology, telecommunications,
engineering services, logistics support, transportation, manufacturing, and
facility services industries.
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There is no substitute for doing the right thing. We help ensure that you have
the right infrastructure in place (operational, accounting, contract
administration, and socioeconomic), guide you through the regulatory
requirements, and help you manage the risks of working with the
Government.
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We have vast experience in scores of government contracts matters for
major national and international companies, involving a wide range of
government contracts issues.
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