Government Contracts & Construction Law

Building on our deep regulatory and technical knowledge, our lawyers provide the strategic insight needed to drive successful outcomes at every stage of government-contracted construction projects, no matter the purpose. Whether facilitating efforts to modernize outdated infrastructure, fortify the energy grid, support data center demand, reinforce national security priorities or make supply chains more resilient, we guide clients every step of the way—from advising on complex procurement processes to navigating performance requirements, negotiating key design and construction agreements and equitable adjustments thereto, resolving disputes, and defending against government enforcement actions.

Many of our attorneys have prior engineering, construction management or government/military experience, affording them unique perspectives on how complex projects are designed, delivered and administered. These insights allow us to integrate legal precision with practical understanding, and ensure clients receive end-to-end counsel that identifies and resolves potential issues before they arise.

Public and government-funded construction projects present distinctive challenges that blend contract law, regulatory compliance and technical execution. Pillsbury’s multidisciplinary team helps clients anticipate and manage issues such as:

• Contract Formation & Bid Protests – We advise on procurement strategies as well as represent clients in challenges to award decisions before the GAO or Court of Federal Claims, ensuring fair competition and compliance with federal acquisition requirements.
• Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) – We structure and negotiate hybrid project delivery models that combine public procurement frameworks with private financing and performance risk allocation.
• Contract Interpretation & Changes – We guide clients through scope modifications, constructive changes and equitable adjustments under the FAR and DFARS, balancing contractual structure with on-the-ground realities.
• Delays, Disruptions & Time Extensions – We manage complex scheduling disputes and delay claims under the Contract Disputes Act, using technical construction analysis to allocate responsibility and support recovery.
• Cybersecurity & Supply Chain Integrity – We help contractors comply with FAR and DFARS cybersecurity standards and supply chain sourcing restrictions in increasingly digital construction environments.
• Claims & Dispute Resolution – We prepare, present and prosecute claims involving differing site conditions, performance delays or defective specifications, through negotiation, mediation or litigation.
• Compliance & Performance Obligations – We ensure adherence to Davis-Bacon labor standards, Cost Accounting Standards, Buy American Act & Trade Agreements Act sourcing rules, specialty metals rules, cybersecurity mandates and evolving ESG and sustainability requirements.
• Termination & Default – We counsel contractors through government terminations—whether for convenience or default—and negotiating favorable settlements that preserve continuity and value.
• False Claims Act & Investigations – We defend against allegations of false certifications, defective pricing or billing irregularities, coordinating responses across civil, criminal and administrative proceedings.
• Government Enforcement & Debarment – We develop proactive compliance and defense strategies in response to heightened agency oversight of ethics, ESG and subcontractor performance.