Maryland Government Contract Fraud Lawyers: Emergency Defense for Federal Contractors

URGENT: Under Investigation by a Federal Agency in Maryland? Your Career, and Company are on the Line. Hire Former DOJ Attorneys & Former Federal Procurement Officials NOW.

Watson & Associates, LLC Government Contracts Attorneys and False Claims Act Defense Practice Group: Comprehensive Civil and Criminal Defense Lawyers for Healthcare and Federal Government Contractors in Maryland . We Help Avoid Costly Mistakes in Government Contracting and avoid Jail Time While Staying Compliant.

We Defend Maryland Contractors in High-Stakes Federal Investigations and Fraud Litigation

Our Maryland government contract lawyers have deep experience representing contractors in the most complex federal investigations in the United States. We understand the specific tactics used by federal prosecutors from the DOJ Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Maryland and the District of Maryland. We can defend against a wide range of civil and criminal allegations, including:

Fraudulent Billing & False Labor Qualifications

Federal prosecutors in the DC area aggressively pursue contractors for fraudulent billing schemes. This can include billing for services not rendered, inflating costs, or submitting false labor qualifications for employees. These cases often involve complex forensic accounting and require a deep understanding of federal billing regulations, including the specific requirements of your contract. Our Maryland fraudulent billing defense lawyers can challenge the government’s evidence and protect our clients from these devastating allegations.

Cybersecurity Non-Compliance (CMMC, DFARS)

With the rollout of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, Maryland -area contractors are facing intense scrutiny over their cybersecurity compliance. We represent contractors accused of failing to meet DFARS cybersecurity requirements and making false statements about their compliance. A Maryland cybersecurity non-compliance lawyer from our firm can help you navigate the complex web of regulations and defend your company against allegations of non-compliance.

Maryland SDVOSB & Small Business Fraud Defense Lawyers

Our SDVOSB fraud defense attorneys defend small businesses in the Maryland area against allegations of affiliation, pass-through schemes, and other violations of SBA regulations. We understand the unique challenges that small businesses face in the federal marketplace and have a proven track record of protecting them from the devastating consequences of a federal investigation.

Defense Contractor Fraud & Government Contracting Attorney Services:

Maryland Government Contract Fraud Cases We Defend: Maryland Procurement Fraud Defending Maryland contractors against bid rigging, kickbacks, and competitive bidding violations throughout Bethesda, Baltimore, and Rockville contracting markets.

Maryland Cost Mischarging Protecting Maryland government contractors against improper cost allocation, labor mischarging, and overhead violations.

Maryland Defective Pricing Emergency defense for Maryland contractors facing Truth in Negotiations Act violations and defective pricing allegations.

Maryland Small Business Fraud Defending Maryland contractors against SBA 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB certification fraud in Maryland.

Maryland Security Clearance Issues: Protecting Maryland contractors against security clearance violations and classified information handling issues.

• Buy American Act compliance
• Build America Buy America (BABAA) compliance
• Government contract claims and disputes
• Cure notices and show cause letters
• Small business and SBA program matters
• False Claims Act defense

We also help with

1. Maryland government programs fraud lawyer. Consulting Services: Tailored consulting for government contractors on various topics, including FAR statutory compliance and federal government marketing strategies.
2. Federal Criminal Defense: Protecting clients from allegations of procurement contracting fraud and other related civil and criminal charges.
3. Litigation & Appeals: Experienced representation in bid protests, contract disputes, terminations, and higher court appeals.
4. Small Business Assistance: Comprehensive support for small businesses in federal contracting, from SBA certifications to defense against size protests.
5. Government Investigations & Defense Contract Fraud: Assisting Maryland clients facing investigations by federal bodies, ensuring proper responses and robust defense against allegations ( civil investigative demands).
6. Maryland Suspension and Debarment Lawyers: Representing businesses and government employees in suspension or debarment scenarios.
7. Maryland White Collar Crime Lawyer Defense: Vigorous protection for individuals and businesses facing government contractor white collar crime allegations.
8. Federal procurement breach of contract lawyers in Maryland.
9. Government contract False Claims Act fraud
10. Maryland Federal Government Contractor Rico Lawyers 

Maryland Kickbacks & Bribery Defense Attorneys

We have extensive experience defending contractors and individuals in the Maryland area against allegations of paying or receiving kickbacks and bribes in connection with government contracts. These are serious allegations that can result in lengthy prison sentences. A VA government contract kickback lawyer from our firm can help you build a strong defense and protect your freedom.

Other Common types of cases that our Maryland government procurement fraud lawyers handle include:

• General Contractor Fraud
• False Claims or Statements (FCA Claims – Civil and Criminal)
• Defective Pricing
• Overcharging the Government
• Bribing Government Officials
• Progress Payment Fraud
• Price Fixing
• Defective Products
• Kickback to Government Officials
• Billing for Services Not Performed
• Procurement Fraud
• Roofing Contractor Fraud Lawyer
• Buy American Act procurement fraud and
• Trade Agreements Act Compliance Fraud
• SBA small business program matters (SDVOSB, 8(a) BD,and HUBZone
• FAR non-compliance fraud disputes
• Mentor protege and pass-through schemes

Meet Our Maryland Defense Contractor Fraud Team Leads 

Inside the Investigation: DoD-OIG, GSA-OIG, and DOJ Fraud Section Cases

Our government contract fraud defense lawyers in Maryland have a deep understanding of how the major federal investigative agencies in the Maryland area build and prosecute their cases. We have successfully defended clients in investigations conducted by:

• Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD-OIG): We have extensive experience representing defense contractors in the Maryland area who are under investigation by the DoD-OIG. We understand the unique challenges of these cases and have a proven track record of success.
• General Services Administration Office of Inspector General (GSA-OIG): We represent GSA Schedule contractors in the Maryland area who are facing investigations by the GSA-OIG. We can help you navigate the complex web of GSA regulations and protect your business from the devastating consequences of an investigation.
• Department of Justice (DOJ) Fraud Section: We have a deep understanding of how the DOJ Fraud Section prosecutes government contract fraud cases. We can help you build a strong defense and protect your rights.
• And other federal agencies, including the CIA, DHS, and State Department OIGs.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Maryland Government Contract Fraud Lawyer

Q: What are the federal penalties for government contract fraud in the Maryland area?

A: A conviction for federal contract fraud in the Maryland area can result in decades in federal prison, millions in fines, and mandatory debarment from all future government contracts. It is critical to hire a Maryland government contract fraud lawyer immediately to protect your business and your freedom.

Q: I just received a subpoena from the DoD-OIG. What should I do?

A: If you have just received a subpoena from the DoD-OIG, do not respond without legal counsel. Contact our Maryland government investigation lawyers immediately. We can help you understand your obligations and protect your rights.

Q: I’m a small business owner accused of SDVOSB fraud. Can you help?

A: Yes. Our SDVOSB fraud defense attorneys represent small businesses in the Maryland area who face allegations of violating SBA regulations. We understand the unique challenges of SDVOSB fraud cases and have a proven track record of protecting small businesses.

What Happens When Maryland Contractors Call Our Emergency Hotline

Step 1: Immediate Maryland Protection (First 24 Hours after Retaining Us) We immediately advise Maryland government contractors on what to say (and not say) to federal investigators to protect their contracting rights and Maryland business.

Step 2: Maryland Case Assessment (First 72 Hours) Our former federal prosecutors and defense attorneys analyze the government’s likely evidence and strategy based on patterns of Maryland government contract fraud investigations. We reach out to the government and take over communications.

Step 3: Maryland Defense Strategy (First Week) We develop a comprehensive defense plan tailored to your specific Maryland contracting business and the federal enforcement approach in Maryland.

Maryland Qui Tam & Whistle-blower Defense Lawyers

When a whistleblower (known as a “relator”) files a Qui Tam lawsuit against your company under the False Claims Act (FCA), you are facing one of the most serious legal threats a government contractor can endure. These cases are filed under seal, meaning you may not even know you are being sued until the Department of Justice (DOJ) decides to intervene. In the Maryland DC Beltway, with its high concentration of federal employees and contractors, Qui Tam lawsuits are a constant threat.

Our Qui Tam defense lawyers in Maryland have a deep understanding of the FCA and a proven track record of defending contractors against whistleblower lawsuits. We understand the unique challenges of these cases and have a proven track record of getting them dismissed, negotiating favorable settlements, and protecting our clients from the devastating consequences of an FCA judgment.

Understanding the Federal Qui Tam Process in the Maryland Area

The Qui Tam process is complex and fraught with peril for the unwary contractor. Here is a simplified overview of what you can expect:

1. The Lawsuit is Filed Under Seal: The whistleblower files a lawsuit in federal court, but it is kept secret from you and the public. The DOJ is given time to investigate the allegations.
2. The Government Investigates: The DOJ, often with the help of agencies like the DoD-OIG or GSA-OIG, will investigate the whistleblower’s claims. This can involve subpoenas, interviews, and other investigative techniques.
3. The Government Decides Whether to Intervene: After its investigation, the DOJ will decide whether to “intervene” and take over the case. If the government intervenes, it will prosecute the case against you. If it declines to intervene, the whistleblower can still pursue the case on their own.
4. The Lawsuit is Unsealed: Once the government makes its decision, the lawsuit is unsealed, and you are officially served with the complaint.

Common Defenses to Federal Qui Tam Lawsuits in the Maryland Area

There are many potential defenses to a Qui Tam lawsuit. Our whistleblower defense attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation of the facts and the law to identify the strongest possible defenses for your case. Common defenses include:

• The Public Disclosure Bar: If the whistleblower’s allegations are based on information that has already been publicly disclosed, the case may be barred.
• First-to-File Bar: If another whistleblower has already filed a lawsuit based on the same allegations, the later-filed case may be barred.
• Lack of Materiality: If the alleged false claims were not “material” to the government’s decision to pay, the case may be dismissed.
• No Scienter: To prove a violation of the FCA, the government must show that you acted with “scienter,” meaning you knew the claims were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. We can often show that our clients acted in good faith and did not have the requisite intent.

Strategies for Negotiating with the DOJ in the Maryland Area

If you are facing a Qui Tam lawsuit, it is critical to have a lawyer who knows how to negotiate with the DOJ. Our Maryland Qui Tam defense lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with the DOJ Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Maryland. We can help you explore all of your options, from seeking a dismissal of the case to negotiating a favorable settlement.

How Our Experience as Former Contracting Officials Gives You an Unfair Advantage

When you are facing a government contract fraud investigation in the Maryland area, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a team of insiders who have been on the other side. At Watson & Associates, our team includes former federal contracting officials who have a deep, firsthand understanding of how the government works. This gives our clients an unfair advantage that other law firms simply cannot match.

We Know the Regulations Inside and Out

As former contracting officials, we have a deep understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other complex procurement regulations. We know how these regulations are interpreted and applied in the real world, and we can use this knowledge to build a strong defense for our clients.

We Know How the Government Builds its Case

We have seen firsthand how the government builds and prosecutes contract fraud cases. We know the tactics they use, the evidence they look for, and the pressure points they exploit. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate the government’s moves and build a proactive defense that protects our clients from the very beginning.

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Maryland Government Contracts Fraud Lawyers (Criminal Defense Attorneys)

Allegations of fraud can seriously jeopardize a company’s reputation and financial status. Our dedicated team of Maryland government contracts fraud lawyers vigorously defends CEOs, entities, and government contractors against claims of procurement fraud and other related allegations.

The team that we will assign is highly experienced in helping businesses and organizations fight false claims, waste, abuse, and fraud involving government contracts. Our team has a deep understanding of the relevant laws and regulations that govern government contractor activities, including the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, Procurement Integrity Act, Truth in Negotiations Act, and more.

We are dedicated to providing you with the best legal advice and representation for any government contractor disputes or allegations. With our understanding of the complex nature of government contracts, we can guide you in minimizing risks, protecting your interests from potential losses or penalties, and reaching a favorable resolution.

Whether you’ve been accused of a breach of contract or have been overcharged, you can rely on our Maryland Government Contracts Fraud Lawyers to provide sound legal advice and high-quality representation. Contact us today to discuss your case.