Cross-Disciplinary Team Blends Firm’s Competencies in Government Contracts, Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense
Washington, D.C. (Feb. 25, 2015) – Bass, Berry & Sims PLC is pleased to announce the establishment of its Procurement Fraud Practice Group to address complex and growing regulatory challenges to contractors and companies that provide goods and services to governmental entities. The new practice group will be spearheaded by a team of experienced former federal prosecutors and government contract attorneys. Washington, D.C. Managing Partner and former federal prosecutor John Kelly; members in the firm’s Government Contracts Practice Group in Washington, D.C., Richard Arnholt and Todd Overman; and former federal prosecutor Lisa Rivera in Nashville, TN, will lead a cross-disciplinary team of 11 attorneys with unique perspectives and experience on compliance, regulatory and enforcement issues facing government contractors. This includes providing guidance and advice on audit and compliance programs, mandatory disclosures, internal investigations, criminal and civil litigation, international trade and export controls, suspension and debarment proceedings, and matters involving whistleblowers.
“Bass, Berry & Sims’ new procurement fraud practice adds a key component to our government contracting and government investigations practices, which already represent corporate entities and executives in investigations and litigation involving, among others, the False Claims Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Major Fraud Act, Procurement Integrity Act, Arms Export Controls Act, and International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Our attorneys apply extensive public sector experience to help firm clients understand, prevent and mitigate the risks associated with government procurement, and to fight back when those risks become reality,” Kelly said. Overman, Chair of the firm’s Government Contracts Practice Group added, “Through training, strengthening compliance infrastructure and bolstering existing policies and procedures, we work with clients to reduce the likelihood of procurement violations. Further, if and when issues arise, the deep experience of our team helps clients navigate criminal, civil and administrative actions.”
About the Procurement Fraud Practice
Bass, Berry & Sims’ procurement fraud practice is comprised of a cross-disciplinary team, which blends the firm’s competencies in government contracts, investigations, compliance and white collar criminal defense. The practice’s attorneys provide procurement fraud counseling focused on protecting businesses, as well as their executives and board members, enabling them to remain focused on providing goods and services, and producing revenue. In administrative, civil and criminal matters, attorneys in the practice apply extensive subject matter knowledge and leadership experience gained in government compliance, investigatory and prosecutorial roles.
Attorneys in the procurement fraud practice have previously held relevant leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Justice; Small Business Administration; U.S. Court of Federal Claims; U.S. Department of Health and Human Service; and the U.S. Senate.
The procurement fraud practice professionals have experience in several industries, including those that have faced high levels of reported procurement fraud and regulatory scrutiny, such as aerospace and defense, construction, energy, engineering, healthcare, logistics, mining, transportation and utilities. The firm advocates for clients and manages investigations before congressional committees, government agencies, grand juries and suspension and debarment officials.
About Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
With more than 220 attorneys representing numerous publicly traded companies and Fortune 500 businesses, Bass, Berry & Sims PLC has been involved in some of the largest and most significant business transactions and litigation matters in the country. For more information, visit bassberry2022.wpengine.com.