Blogs

GSA “GET IT RIGHT” INITIATIVE

The General Services Administration (GSA) has launched a new initiative, dubbed “Get it Right,” in an effort to ensure that GSA contracting officers and agencies using GSA contract vehicles always follow procurement rules. The initiative is aimed at addressing several issues, including the misuse of small-business contracts and ordering work outside the scope of a contract.

Intellectual Property Rights in Government Contracts

A company’s intellectual property is often its most valuable asset. Companies that are not vigilant may unknowingly lose rights in their intellectual property when entering into a contract with an agency of the U.S. Government. What intellectual property rights are granted to the Government will depend upon various factors, including whether the item qualifies as a “commercial item”, was developed at Government or private expense, which regulations apply to the procurement and whether the company complied with those regulations to limit the Government’s rights to the intellectual property.

Restriction on Fees to Consultants

It is often beneficial for government contractors to use consultants. The expertise of a consultant may be very specific and of limited use to a contractor, so that hiring a full-time or part-time employee to perform the same task is not justified. A consultant may assist with identifying and responding to procurement opportunities. Many consultants propose to receive commissions if the contractor receives a contract based on the consultant’s services.

Do You Really Have The Right To Terminate

The termination provision of many contracts contains the right to terminate upon the other party entering bankruptcy or having a trustee appointed under the U.S. bankruptcy code. Companies are often surprised to find out the right to terminate is unenforceable once the other party has entered bankruptcy. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that companies remain vigilant regarding the creditworthiness of their partners – especially in teaming, subcontract and supply agreements that involve exclusivity provisions.

Section 508 Compliance

The U.S. Government typically requires companies to identify whether the products offered by a company are compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 508 requires that federal agencies make electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. The law applies to all federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use EIT. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board established the EIT standards published at 36 C.F.R. Part 1194.

Common Employee Handbook Mistakes

Employee handbooks are key to standardizing and communicating company policies. It is vital that a handbook is carefully drafted to meet the needs and realities of the particular company. Poorly drafted handbooks can have unintended and unexpected legal consequences. There are several issues that all companies should be aware of when creating and maintaining their handbook.

Is Your Teaming Agreement Enforceable?

Teaming agreements are a key part of putting together a winning team. Unfortunately, once a prime contract is awarded, team members often learn that the prime contractor wants concessions in exchange for a subcontract or the prime contractor makes the terms of the subcontract untenable. Although teaming agreements are ubiquitous in the government contracts arena, their enforceability should be considered each time from both a practical and legal standpoint.

Understanding Liquidated Damages

Many contracts today include clauses for liquidated damages, especially in construction contracts. A company should make sure it understands the purpose and limits on enforceability of such clauses prior to signing a contract. Failure to properly draft a liquidated damages clause may result in increased liability or a court determining the clause to be unenforceable.

Managing Credit Risks of Customers

Companies face the constant risk that customers will be unable to pay their invoices or may file for bankruptcy protection. Adequately assessing and managing these risks is fundamental in today’s business world. With planning and vigilance, companies can minimize the impact of customer credit problems.

Employee Arbitration Agreement

Many companies favor the use of arbitration to settle disputes with their current and former employees. Arbitration is viewed as a quicker and cheaper dispute resolution process. The requirement to arbitrate disputes is often included in company handbooks. Company handbooks, however, often include language that nullifies the requirement to arbitrate.
In Cheek v. United Healthcare of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc., 378 Md. 139 (2003), a company’s handbook required employee disputes to be arbitrated. However, the handbook included the following language:

Pages

book

Understanding The Buy American Act

Limited Time Only, don't miss your chance to download your free copy today

book

Government Contract Protests

Limited Time Only, don't miss your chance to download your free copy today

A firm with one focus: Government Contract Law