Trade Agreements Acts attorneys & False Claims Act TAA Compliance Defense Lawyers
Settlements and judgments under the False Claims Act exceeded $2.68 billion in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2023. What will it be for 2024? Do you have a handle on your products being TAA compliant? Seek help immediately before the feds knock on your door for TAA compliance violations.
When it comes to government contracts, TAA compliance isn’t just a bidding box to check —it’s a potential minefield that can put your company at risk. and even cause jail time.
Are you confident your operations are TAA compliant, or are you risking a costly government investigation? Our goal as TAA compliance lawyers is to save our clients from criminal exposure and huge Trade Agreements Act False Claims Act fines.
GSA schedule holders, product manufacturers, prime and subcontractors are all subject to the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) when they sign a TAA certificate of compliance. Whether you are an IT contractor or a medical equipment product seller, selling to the federal government can incur substantial civil and criminal exposure if your products are not compliant.
Regardless of what product you are selling to the federal government, you want to make sure that the products you sell are Trade Agreement Act compliant.
Trade Agreements Acts Attorneys & Criminal Defense Lawyers
When the DOJ comes knocking on your door, investigates or chooses to indict you for violating non-TAA compliance requirements,our federal criminal defense attorneys represent clients involved in federal TAA non-compliance criminal cases nationwide. Our Trade Agreements Acts attorneys and criminal defense lawyers are here to provide immediate help.
DOJ, FBI, and OIG are Actively Seeking Out Companies for non-compliance through Qui Tam Cases. Our TAA compliance lawyers help clients on their journey to becoming TAA compliant. Get help with civil investigative demands (CID), subpoenas, indictments, and legal defense for both civil and criminal defense.
The TAA certificate of compliance regulations was designed to encourage foreign countries to enter reciprocal government-procurement trade agreements. Those agreements prohibit foreign countries from discriminating against American-made products and prohibit the United States from discriminating against foreign-origin products.
The FAR defines a “U.S.-made end product” as follows:
U.S.–made end product means an article that is mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States or that is substantially transformed in the United States into a new and different article of commerce with a name, character, or use distinct from that of the article or articles from which it was transformed. See FAR 25.003.
If you are not Trade Agreement compliant, be mindful that the federal government (Department of Justice (DOJ and OIG)) is targeting companies nationwide that are non-TAA compliant.
Best lawyer for TAA compliance government investigation. – We Know Procurement Law TAA Compliance
The Federal Government has increased its focus on targeting companies that are not TAA-compliant. If you think you have made a simple mistake or that you have nothing to hide and, therefore, can speak to agents without legal counsel. You may want to revisit that thought.
- Sellers, Manufacturers, and others doing business, either directly or indirectly, with the federal government retain Watson & Associates’ Trade Agreements Act TAA compliance lawyers and government contractor Trade Agreements Acts attorneys to help with determining if their products are Trade Agreement Act compliant by assessing the origin criterion and or requirements for being substantially transformed.
- We help suppliers, manufacturers, sellers, dealers and government contractors within the United States and overseas to assess their processes for determining if they have TAA compliant products and defend against TAA False Claims Act charges.
You must act immediately when DOJ Trade Agreements Act Investigations strike or OIG has you in their cross-hairs for non-compliance with TAA requirements. Do not wait to see how “things play out.”
Areas of FAR 52.225-5 TAA Trade Agreement Compliance We Handle
- Corporate oversight and internal TAA compliance program
- Help for Government Contractors a pathway to becoming TAA-compliant under FAR 52.225-5
- GSA TAA compliance disputes for government contractors and GSA schedule holders
- Trade Agreements fraud cases involving federal contractors
- TAA and false claims investigations by DOJ, OIG or other law enforcement agencies
- Trade Agreements False Claims Act defense (Civil or Criminal)
- Indictments
- Subpoenas and Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs)
- Preparation and criminal defense litigation
- Legal defense for TAA non-compliance investigations
What is TAA Compliant? How to fight TAA non-compliance allegations?
- The only way to fight non-compliance allegations of TAA non compliance is to show that your product is Trade Agreement Act compliant or meets an exception. What is TAA compliant becomes a major dispute during investigations and litigation.
- If charged with defrauding the federal government, then you would have to use a defense or show no intent to defraud.
These are areas where our TAA compliance False Claims Act defense attorneys can help.
When government contractors are investigated, indicted, or facing criminal exposure for TAA compliance violations, they are usually also facing TAA False Claims Act liability exposure.
The TAA compliance lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC, incorporate US Customs’ decisions when determining whether government contractors are Trade Agreement Act compliant.
When bidding on Federal government contracts on GSA FSS schedules and otherwise, please be extremely careful to perform your due diligence for Buy American Act compliance versus GSA TAA compliance requirements.
Who Are Our Clients?
TAA compliance legal services for manufacturers and more: Our law office helps with Trade Agreements Act certification compliance in various industries such as GSA schedule concerns, manufacturers, pharmaceutical company facilities, medical equipment distributors, prime contractors, subcontractors, IT and software companies, service providers, imports, and more. We offer nationwide federal criminal defense lawyers for TAA non-compliance investigations and indictments / criminal charges.
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The United States is a signatory to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement. This is another name for the TAA Trade Agreements Act and which is governed by FAR 52.225-5. The President of the United States is allowed to waive Buy American Act (“BAA”) requirements for certain goods from specific countries. If, however, a federal government contract procurement is governed by. The TAA, then the Buy American Act will not apply.
What Are TAA Compliance Requirements?
The Trade Agreements Act (TAA) is a federal law that requires certain products and services purchased by the U.S. government to be of domestic or foreign origin and designated as eligible for preferential trade treatment. It is designed to ensure that U.S. companies receive preference in government contracts, while still allowing imports from countries with which the United States has trade agreements. As such, TAA compliance and country of origin criterion is essential for businesses wanting to win U.S. government contracts and must be adhered to at all times when bidding on these opportunities.
What is a TAA Claim?
The issue of what is a TAA claim comes to light when there is a whistleblower or Qui Tam case launched against a contractor alleging that the contractor or company is not complying with Trade Agreements Act requirements.
What Federal Agencies Oversee TAA Compliance Fraud Cases and DOJ TAA Compliance Investigations?
TAA enforcement issues are overseen by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). However, for government contracts, the agency makes the decision. The OIG is responsible for investigating any alleged violations of GSA TAA compliance and can impose criminal penalties on businesses that fail to abide by its regulations.
At times, TAA fraud cases may also be handled by other federal agencies, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) or the Federal Trade Commission. It is important to remember that while these agencies may investigate potential TAA fraud, they do not have jurisdiction over the actual TAA enforcement regulations – that is done solely through the OIG or Department of Justice (DOJ).
What is Non-TAA Compliant Under FAR 52-2255? What Are Noncompliance TAA Penalties?
What is non-taa compliant? Because TAA fraud is a federal offense, the non TAA compliant penalties imposed for such violations are often severe. Businesses that fail to adhere to TAA regulations can face civil fines of up to $500,000 per violation, and criminal penalties, including imprisonment and debarment from participating in government contracts or programs.
Real-Life Examples of Punishments and Cases
In addition, businesses found to be non-compliant with TAA laws may also have their licenses revoked or suspended and may be subject to other sanctions as well. Therefore, it is essential that all businesses and government contractors take steps to ensure proper adherence with FAR 52.225-5 TAA compliance requirements at all times when bidding on U.S. government contracts.
Engaging Trade Agreements Acts attorneys who can help your company with Trade Agreements Act Compliance Law can help you avoid costly fines or penalties that can result from TAA non-compliance.
The lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC Law Firm can provide guidance in Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance requirements laws.
AVOID JAIL TIME and HUGE FINES AND START A SOLID LEGAL DEFENSE HERE
FAR 52.225-5 &. GSA TAA Compliance Requirements
Yes, GSA contractors and manufacturers must comply with the Trade Agreement Act. The General Services Administration (GSA) Trade Agreements Act (TAA) Compliance governs the purchase of certain goods and services for the federal government from other TAA-compliant countries.
Nationwide and Overseas Trade Agreements Act compliance attorney: The TAA requires that any goods or services purchased by federal agencies must meet a certain standard of “substantial transformation” requirements – meaning that they are increased in value, either through assembly or manufacturing, by either a US company or a foreign producer. GSA Trade Agreements Act certification regulations ensure that all products and services meet the requirements in order to be eligible for purchase by federal agencies.
GSA TAA compliance requirements under FAR 52.225-5 must be met to comply with TAA rules and regulations. These include obtaining the appropriate Country of Origin criterion. If you are investigated or charged with a crime,, our GSA TAA compliance lawyers can help.
The TAA requires federal government agencies to purchase goods and services made in the United States or other TAA countries with trade agreements with the United States. This means that GSA contractors and manufacturers must ensure they are using products and components that meet these requirements when bidding on U.S. government contracts.
Businesses should also be aware of any specific country-of-origin criterion rules for certain items sold under GSA schedule, as well as any special TAA compliance requirements for certain types of goods and services. Trade Agreements Act compliance attorneys at Watson & Associates, LLC can help businesses understand their specific obligations under this law so they can remain competitive while staying within the boundaries of GSA TAA compliance laws.
Which Countries Are Not TAA-Compliant?
Countries that are not considered TAA-compliant countries and, therefore, goods and services coming from them cannot be sold to the US Government, including China, Russia, Iran, Sudan, Vietnam, Syria, North Korea, and Cuba. Similarly, products made with materials originating in any of these countries are also not allowed. Companies that wish to sell goods or services sourced from any of these countries must receive a valid waiver before doing so.
At Watson & Associates, our team of experienced Trade Agreements Act Compliance Lawyers can help your business understand its obligations under TAA regulations when bidding on U.S government contracts. Contact us today to get started.
Call our federal investigation TAA compliance civil and criminal defense attorneys. at 1.866.601.5518 for more information about how we can help you to become TAA compliant.
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Watch this video to gain more insight on getting your company TAA compliant.
If your assessment of TAA Substantial Transformation is Carefully Done, Your Company Can Avoid Criminal Liability and Fines
Note to manufacturers and government contractors: It is crucial to consider the country of origin, such as China, when conducting a thorough analysis. Failing to do so may give your opponents grounds to challenge your product based on this fact. To navigate this complex terrain, our TAA compliance attorneys will meticulously examine whether the assembly of components originally from China, in the United States constitutes substantial transformation.
TAA Compliance for Medical Equipment
TAA Compliant IT Products and Equipment
What Products are Exempted When it Comes to TAA Certification?
Certain products are exempted from the TAA compliance requirements. These include medical supplies, food, water and related items needed to alleviate human suffering due to severe shortages in a foreign country, as well as certain consumer goods that are used for recreational purposes. At Watson & Associates, our team of experienced TAA Trade Agreement Acts attorneys can help your business understand its obligations under TAA regulations when bidding on U.S government contracts for software purchases. Contact us today to get started with your TAA certified and compliance letter:.
The responsibility of determining the substantial transformation rests solely with you the contractor, and you have two straightforward options. First, you may seek opinions from The Office of Regulations and Rulings within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which are based on tariff laws. Second, you may opt for a third-party opinion or make the determination by yourself. GSA employs Industrial Operation’s Analysts (IOA) to check FAR 52.225-5 TAA compliance, and it’s seriously useful! Non-compliance with TAA certification regulations in GSA contractors/suppliers’ cases has led them to have hefty settlements with cases brought under the Civil False Claims Act (FCA).
Government Contractor Trade Agreement Act TAA Compliance Attorneys
At our law firm, our dedicated team of Trade Agreement Act TAA compliance attorneys brings unparalleled expertise to the defense of clients navigating the multifaceted challenges of trade agreement compliance. To get your company TAA certified, we offer a comprehensive suite of services that cover every facet of potential litigation.
Whether you’re confronting a government contract investigation, grappling with the complexities of the indictment phase, or in need of robust representation at trial, our seasoned professionals stand ready to advocate fiercely on your behalf. As Trade Agreements Acts attorneys, our commitment is to ensure that our clients are expertly guided and defended at every turn, safeguarding their business interests and reputations.
What Does TAA Compliant Mean?
Goods and/or service is TAA compliant if manufactured or substantially transformed in the United States or in a TAA-designated country. A TAA-designated country is a nation with which the U.S. maintains a trade agreement and regards as a reliable or acceptable procurement source. To be Trade Agreement Act compliant, you must perform your due diligence when selling to the federal government.
What does TAA compliant mean: To be Trade Agreements Act (“TAA”) compliant, your products sold to federal government agencies must come only from countries with which the United States has a trade agreement. This is where Watson’s Trade Agreements Act defense lawyers can help. We help by:
- Conducting extensive investigations for TAA compliance
- Representing companies involved in TAA requirements investigations
- Representing clients charged with False Claims Act TAA fraud.
- Litigion and support.
As government procurement fraud attorneys and contractor white collar crime lawyers, we can represent large and small businesses performing under GSA FSS contract vehicles and other federal procurements and who are facing potential civil or criminal liability for violating TAA requirements.
Call us at 1.866.601.5518 for more information about how we can help you to become compliant.
Nationwide Gov Contracts TAA Compliance Lawyers: Our government contracts TAA certification Act compliance lawyers provide legal counsel to federal contractors throughout the United States and overseas including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Virgin Islands. Call us today for immediate help getting TAA certified. 1-866-601-5518.
Call Our TAA Trade Agreement Act Certification Compliance Lawyers for Immediate Help
If you are supplying, manufacturing or selling products to the Federal Government under a GSA FSS schedule or some other contract vehicle and are being investigated, indicted, or criminally charged for noncompliance under FAR 52.225-5 and False Claims Act violations, please call Watson & Associates, LLC TAA compliance lawyers and white collar crimeal defense law firm for immediate help.
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Call Toll Free at 1.866.601.5518 for a Free and Confidential Consultation. If you ae seeking legal defense for TAA non-compliance investigations, Speak Directly With Theodore P. Watson, Esquire. Practice Group Lead.