Richard Arnholt advises companies, large and small, on the complex rules and regulations applicable to grants and contracts from federal and state governmental entities. In an era of increased budgetary pressures for contractors, Richard focuses his practice on providing practical business and legal guidance to help clients efficiently navigate the minefield of government procurement and grant regulations.
Over the past two decades Richard has represented government contract clients in a wide range of issues. In particular, he has extensive experience counseling clients on the complex ethics and compliance obligations required of government contractors and grant recipients; assisting companies and individuals faced with suspension or debarment by a number of government agencies; filing and defending against bid protests at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Court of Federal Claims, and the Federal Circuit; and government contracts-related litigation such as prime/sub disputes and defending against False Claims Act (FCA) allegations.
His practice focuses on:
Prior to entering private practice, Richard served as a law clerk for the Honorable Mary Ellen Coster Williams of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
American Bar Association, Section of Public Contract Law
Advise a public university system on compliance with the rules associated with grants and contracts from NIH, NSF, and the Department of Defense
Representation of Serco Inc., a provider of professional, technology, and management services, in its definitive agreement to acquire Whitney, Bradley & Brown, Inc., a leading provider of advisory, engineering and technical services to the US Military and H.I.G. Capital portfolio company, for $295 million.
After a successful challenge last year to the award of a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) set aside task order for technology service desk operations by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP or the Agency), our government contracts team successfully defended the award of that task order after the re-evaluation to our client, Patriot, LLC. The challenge and subsequent successful defense of the award highlight the usefulness of the protest process, a process some contractors are hesitant to use.
Protest Filed with Court of Federal Claims on Behalf of The Green Technology Group
Richard Arnholt traveled to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in June 2019 to provide training on government contracts ethics and compliance issues to employees of a long-standing firm client. The presentation, which was given as part of the client’s periodic employee training program, covered topics such as the importance of an ethical culture, risks of non-compliance, the Procurement Integrity Act, revolving door restrictions, the Anti-Kickback Act, gift and gratuities rules, and time and expense reporting.
Represented Serco Inc. in its definitive Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire Alion Science & Technology Corporation’s Naval Systems Business Unit, including its Canadian business and a small number of related contract operations, for $225 million. The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second half of 2019. Serco Inc., a provider of professional, technology, and management services, will strengthen its presence in naval support with this acquisition, and will become a stronger integrated maritime solutions provider for the U.S Navy and other customers.
In January 2019, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) dismissed a pre-award protest Bass, Berry & Sims filed on behalf of an 8(a) small business joint venture client after receiving notice from the State Department that the agency was taking corrective action in response to the protest grounds.
Ongoing representation of B&O Joint Venture, LLC (B&O JV), an 8(a) small business joint venture, in multiple actions relating to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) award to B&O JV of vital maintenance services supporting ongoing training of federal law enforcement officials at FLETC’s Glynco, Georgia facility
Alpha-Omega Change Engineering Sold to CAE USA
Represented Vector Disease Control International in its sale to Rentokil North America
Representative bid protest matters that have resulted in published decisions include: