72-Hour Action Checklist for Federal Government Contractors

What to Do If You Receive a Government Inquiry, CID, or Notice of Investigation

A concise, impactful sentence below the subtitle to drive urgency and value, e.g., “Critical steps to protect your business and reputation when facing a federal investigation.

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: This checklist is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique. If you have received a Civil Investigative Demand, subpoena, target letter, or any other government inquiry related to your federal contracts, you should retain qualified federal defense counsel immediately. Contact the Watson Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation

Facing a federal government inquiry or investigation can be a daunting experience. This comprehensive 72-hour checklist, prepared by Watson & Associates LLC, provides immediate, critical steps to potentially safeguard your interests and guide you through the initial stages. Don't navigate these complex challenges alone

Your Immediate Action Guide: What to Do and What to Avoid

DON’T

Immediate Actions You MUST Take

DO’s for Federal Government Contractors
Retain federal defense counsel immediately
Preserve all relevant documents
Issue a written legal hold
Be completely candid with your attorney
Review your insurance coverage
Assess individual exposure for key personnel
Implement corrective compliance measures

DON’T

Critical Mistakes to AVOID

DON’T for Federal Government Contractors
Speak to investigators without an attorney present
Delete, alter, or “organize” any documents
Discuss the investigation with employees or partners
Contact the government directly
Assume the matter is routine or will resolve itself
Allow employees to be interviewed without counsel
Make any public statements about the investigation

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Our government contracts attorney services cover all states regarding legal and non-legal matters. We assist federal small businesses and large DoD contractors in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Cities in which our government contracts attorneys assist federal government contractors include Anchorage, AK; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Colorado Springs, CO; Dallas, TX; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, IN; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Philadelphia, PA; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; Santa Clara, CA; and Tampa, FL.