Government Contracts

Kristen Ittig is a partner in the Government Contracts practice group. Her practice encompasses all aspects of federal government contracts law, including litigation, compliance, claims, bid protests, and contract administration issues. Ms. Ittig initiates and defends bid protests and other contract actions before the Government Accountability Office, the Court of Federal Claims, the military and civilian Boards of Contract Appeals, and other federal and state agencies. She regularly assists clients in responding to US Department of Justice investigations and defending fraud and False Claims Act matters.

Ms. Ittig has substantial experience in domestic preference law, including the Buy American Act and the Trade Agreements Act. She litigates Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and reverse-FOIA matters relating to the release of unit pricing and other sensitive contractor information. Separately, Ms. Ittig represents clients in security clearance litigation matters before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals.

Ms. Ittig counsels companies on compliance obligations relating to federal contracts and assists companies in audits, investigations, and suspension/debarment proceedings. She also provides guidance on contract and subcontract negotiations, performance disputes, avoidance and mitigation of organizational conflicts of interest, and the formation and administration of teaming and strategic alliances. Further, Ms. Ittig provides advice regarding small business matters, including maintenance of small business status and establishment of SDVOSB and HUBZone eligibility, and litigates size protests and NAICS code appeals.

Ms. Ittig has been a featured speaker at multiple industry events, and actively follows procurement-related legislation. She is the co-chair of the American Bar Association Public Contract Law Section's Legislative Coordinating Committee. Ms. Ittig is a graduate of the Leadership Fairfax Signature Program and is active in the community.

Government Contracts Representative Matters

• Represented Oracle in intervened qui tam False Claims Act matter relating to GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract and Price Reductions Clause disclosures/compliance. Substantial portion of damages eliminated through motion to dismiss; remainder of case settled before trial.
• Counsel for AgustaWestland in termination for convenience of the presidential helicopter program.
• Large company in investigation and settlement of intervened qui tam False Claims Act matter relating to US General Services Administration Schedule pricing and compliance.
• Lead counsel for various firms in bid protests at GAO and Court of Federal Claims in both pre-award and post-award bid protests.
• Represented IT contractor in avoiding suspension and debarment by Small Business Administration arising after GAO investigation and US Department of Justice False Claims Act investigation.
• Lead counsel for international corporation in successful trial and appellate litigation to protect trade secret and confidential pricing information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
• Advised Homeland Security contractor in internal investigation, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits and DOJ investigation regarding performance and pricing issues.
• Represented small business in appealing and overturning SBA's decision to terminate the firm from the 8(a) program.