An Overview of the Public Procurement Process, Laws and Regulations, Best Practices, Key Clauses, and Bid Protests: A Guide for Attorneys
This course is designed to provide attorneys with an overview of the public procurement process, key laws and regulations governing government contracting, changes in the procurement process, and best practices for government contract bidding. The course also covers the importance of adhering to best practices, key clauses and provisions in government contracts, bid protests, and corrective actions.
The course will begin with an overview of the public procurement process, including how the government identifies needs, conducts market research, and issues solicitations for offers or bids. We will also discuss how offers are evaluated and how the government awards contracts to successful bidders. The administration of the contract continues until completion, and contract closeout involves submission of final invoices and completion of required audits.
Next, we will examine the key laws and regulations governing government contracting, including the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and agency-specific regulations. We will discuss how these laws promote maximum competition, ensure transparency and integrity in public spending, and provide a framework for challenging procurement decisions.
The course will then explore changes in the procurement process, including the shifting priorities between acquiring the best product or service and expediting the procurement timeline. We will also cover the increasing use of indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts, their benefits, and potential unintended consequences, such as reduced competition.
Best practices for government contract bidding will follow, including the use of a uniform contract format, understanding Sections L and M, careful preparation of proposal documents, and attending industry days for clarification. We will also highlight common bidder mistakes, such as missing proposal deadlines, last-minute submissions, and failure to provide required information.
We will then examine the key clauses and provisions in government contracts, including Section L (Instructions to Offerors) and Section M (Evaluation Criteria). The course will also discuss the approval process for government contracts, which varies by agency, contract value, and type of procurement.
Finally, we will cover bid protests, a common method for challenging contract awards. Topics include the most frequent reasons for protests, the role of corrective action, and how agencies respond to issues raised in protests.
By the end of this course, attorneys will have a solid understanding of government contracting law and best practices, enabling them to assist clients in navigating the procurement process and avoiding common mistakes.
Some of the topics discussed include:
Contract Law Attorney | Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic
Specialties: Government Procurement and Fiscal Law Federal Government Contracting and Fiscal Law attorney with extensive experience practicing as an active duty military attorney and civilian attorney. Bar Admission: Texas
Podcast Host | LearnFormula
Nicole Pettes is a highly experienced podcast host known for her engaging interview style and ability to draw out the best in her guests. She has hosted a diverse range of podcasts and video interviews that explore a wide variety of topics. Currently, Nicole is a Video Podcast Host with LearnFormula, where she contributes to their professional education series. She also hosts the Anxious & Ambitious podcast, which explores personal growth and mental health, and co-hosts the Podcast Guesting For Profit, which helps entrepreneurs and podcasters succeed as podcast guests.
