False Claims Act Trade Agreements Act Fraud Defense TAA Compliance Lawyers
Are You a Target of a Government Contract Fraud Case for Trade Agreements Act (TAA) Non-Compliance? This is a very tricky area of law and most clients are convicted. Let Our TAA Fraud and False Claims Act Law Firm Help.
If you investigated due to Non TAA Compliance and Can Face False Claims Act Charges, We Have Former Procurement Officials and Former DOJ prosecutors on our Defense Team. We offer. Nationwide legal representation and 24/7 access. Call 1.866.601,5518. Speak specifically to Theodore Watson.
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 Trade Agreement Act compliance lawyers and TAA False Claims Act attorneys 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.
Areas of FAR 52.225-5 TAA Trade Agreement Compliance We Handle
- Corporate oversight and internal Trade Agreement Act 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 fraud and false claims investigations by DOJ, OIG or other law enforcement agencies
- Trade Agreements False Claims Act defense (Civil or Criminal)
- Indictments and federal charges
- Subpoenas and Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs)
- Preparation and TAA criminal defense litigation
- Legal defense for TAA non-compliance investigations
Nationwide TAA Civil FCA and Criminal Fraud Defense Team
Firm’s Lead Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Speak to National Practice Leader Theodore Watson (Over 23 Years of Federal Practice) – Admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States.
- He oversees False Claims Act Medicare fraud criminal defense attorneys and qui tam defense lawyers and federal healthcare fraud attorneys.
Speak Directly to Theodore Watson. Top False Claims Act defense attorney for small businesses and large corporations nationwide.
For legal support in healthcare fraud defense throughout the U.S., and government contract fraud criminal defense, contact Theodore Watson at 1.866.601.5518. We are committed to serving your legal needs in California.
Carolyn L. Oliver – Counsel (California Primary)
Of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC: Carolyn L. Oliver brings over 40 years of distinguished legal experience to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Defense and Investigations practice. As a former DOJ Prosecutor and Assistant United States Attorney in the Major Frauds Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Oliver provides clients with representation from a federal white collar criminal defense attorney who has prosecuted the very types of cases she now defends. Her extensive federal prosecution background, combined with her proven track record in complex criminal defense, positions her as a formidable advocate for corporations, CEOs, and individuals facing high-stakes federal investigations.
Carolyn is a recognized leader in criminal defense, known for her fierce courtroom advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice. She has successfully defended countless clients, earning a reputation for results-driven strategies and compassionate client care. As Of Counsel to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations practice, Oliver focuses her practice on representing companies and individuals in federal criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions by government enforcement agencies, as well as complex federal litigation. She also advises companies on high-profile, complex, and sensitive internal investigations. Read more…
Chris Mancini – Counsel
Chris Mancini, Counsel, brings 45 years of criminal defense experience to Watson & Associates, to support the firm’s federal white collar defense attorney services, including eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (Former DOJ Prosecutor) in the Southern District of Florida (DOJ), where he served as Deputy Chief of both the Criminal Division and Civil Division.
Chris Mancini specializes in navigating the complexities of the federal court system, providing legal advice, investigating cases, and building strong defense strategies to protect the firm’s clients’ rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Mancini assists the Watson team with federal civil and criminal matters throughout the United States. His background as a former DOJ attorney and prosecutor aligns with the firm’s emphasis on attorneys with federal agency experience. Mancini’s understanding of federal law enforcement agencies and white collar defense enhances the firm’s capabilities in representing clients facing federal investigations and criminal prosecutions. Mr. Mancini maintains an unblemished 45-year track record of successfully advising and representing corporate and individual clients. His combination of federal prosecution experience and defense practice provides clients with representation from an attorney who understands both sides of federal criminal cases.
If you have been indicted for a federal white collar crime, you should hire experienced Los Angeles white collar crime lawyers to protect your rights and fight back. Read more.
Robert “Bob” Ayers – Of Counsel
James M. Allen Counsel
James M. Allen, Of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC, is a committed federal white collar criminal defense attorney with experience handling a range of complex matters at the trial and post-conviction levels.
His background includes defending clients in both state and federal forums, with a growing emphasis on federal white collar criminal defense.
As a federal white collar crime attorney, he maintains a strong professional interest in matters involving procurement fraud, SBA investigations, and regulatory enforcement, and is well-versed in the legal frameworks and defense strategies that shape those cases. James brings a measured, thoughtful approach to every case, prioritizing clarity, strategic planning, and strong client communication.
Wise D. Allen Counsel
Wise D. Allen, Esquire , Counsel, is a former Veteran Lieutenant Commander Judge Advocate for the United States Military. He also has extensive knowledge and experience in resolving corporate defense and litigation in vast international and national legal issues.
He brings a wealth of successful experience to government contractors seeking defense counsel in the various areas of procurement fraud, international contracting, False Claims Act defense, and more.
Mr. Allen’s federal litigation experience as a former appellate attorney representing the United States and federal attorney for defendants in trials that led to his clients receiving overwhelmingly favorable outcomes in contested issues and obtaining non-contested resolutions. Read more..
For a FREE Initial Consultation, call 1.866.601.6618 and speak to Mr. Watson. When you’re under federal investigation, time is not on your side.
24 /7 Response . Call (866) 601-5518 now for immediate consultation with a federal health care fraud lawyer. When you’re under federal investigation, time is not on your side.
Immediate Legal Action Required: If you have received a target letter, subpoena, or Civil Investigative Demand regarding potential False Claims Act violations, immediate action is critical. Led by former federal prosecutor and US Supreme Court lawyer Theodore Watson, our experienced legal team provides aggressive nationwide defense for individuals and organizations facing False Claims Act investigations and prosecutions.
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Trade Agreement Act Compliance Attorneys & False Claims Act 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 TAA 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 Trade Agreement Act compliance lawyers help clients on their journey to becoming TAA compliant. Get help with civil investigative demands (CID), subpoenas, grand jury 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 Trade Agreement Act False Claims Act lawyers for 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 defense 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.”
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What is TAA Compliant? How to fight Civil or Criminal False Claims Act 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 Trade Agreement Act 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.
WATCH THIS VIDEO TO GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW
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 criteria are 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 Trade Agreement Act 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 Act criminal defense attorneys who can help your company with Trade Agreements Act Compliance Law and False Claims Act charges can help you avoid costly fines or penalties that can result from TAA non-compliance.
The FCA criminal defense lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC, 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 Agreement 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 Trade Agreement Act 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 compliance regulations require 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 Agreement 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 Agreement 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 federal False Claims Act 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 defense 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 Trade Agreements Act 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 Trade Agreements Act 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 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 Trade Agreement Act compliance Fraud 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, Virgin IslandsWashington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Virgin Islands. Call us today for immediate help getting TAA certified. 1-866-601-5518.
Looking for a TAA fraud lawyer? Our TAA compliance fraud criminal defense law firm and defense lawyers, Can represent clients, and CEOs including Anchorage, AK; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Colorado Springs, CO; Dallas, TX; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, IN; Las Vegas TAA compliance and TAA False Claims Act criminal defense attorney, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Miami PPP fraud attorney, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Houson, Dallas, TX; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles Trade Agreements lawyer ; Atherton, CA, Beverly Hills, CA, West Palm Beach, Fl, Santa Clara, CA; Fort Lauderdale TAA fraud lawyer and Tampa, FL. If you are contemplating hiring a federal criminal defense lawyer, call us immediately at 1.866.601.5518.
Call Our TAA Trade Agreements Act Fraud 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.