government contracts compliance lawyer

Scott Lovelock, Counsel, brings a wealth of proven knowledge and experience helping clients address issues of risk assessment, mitigation and regulatory compliance as well as a savvy level of business and military experience that gives him a unique perspective to help government contractors succeed and to avoid most of the costly mistakes that are encountered when failing to understand and implement required compliance programs or understanding the nuances of working with government agencies. 

A retired Air Force officer, with extensive operational experience in both the field , Numbered Commands, Air Force Headquarters and the Joint Staff, he brings a unique and focused perspective of DoD operations in how he serves our clients.  In addition, he has been a Contractor Officer Representative, worked with major defense contractors on large weapon system acquisitions, and led multiple teams in support of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process within the Department of Defense (DoD).

As part of the firm’s aggressive cadre of problem solvers, his approach is to advocate on the client’s behalf with the agencies such as the DCMA, DCAA and the DoD IG on matters related to False Claims Act, BAA and TAA compliance, FAR and DFARs related issues and import/export regulations.  He has counseled both large and small contractors in multiple areas and understands the business and how to maximize the Firm’s ability to resolve disputes amicably, or to help the Firm navigate to a position of strength while aggressively protecting the contractor’s or individual’s rights.

When a client needs internal guidance, compliance, and process implementation to ensure they meet the requirements under the FAR/DFAR, Mr. Lovelock is one of the Firm’ go-to resources.

Mr. Lovelock also serves as part of the firm’s ‘task force’ when our clients’ legal rights are at risk. This includes adding his expertise to the teams who address both civil and criminal white-collar cases in order to maximize the total package approach that Watson and Associates can leverage in representing our clients. 

A force-multiplier, zealous advocate and dedicated professional, Mr. Lovelock helps Watson and Associates to be the touch-stone for providing full-service legal and business support to both small and large clients operating in the DoD contractor sphere of operations.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

MILITARY VETERAN GOVERNMENT LAWYER

Veteran Lieutenant Commander Judge Advocate for the United States Military:  Mr. Allen worked with various federal torts statutes and international agreements pertaining to individuals and government contractors.   Indeed, his involvement extended to assisting teams in the areas of government bid awards, federal government personnel ethics, and corporate federal protests. 

Following Mr. Allen trail blazing consecutive wins in administrative board hearings and receiving the highest marks from the Officers, Marines, and Sailors in handling their legal affairs, as a Lieutenant, the Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy had Mr. Allen untangled investigations and claims against United States of America to create a working platform for the ultimate solutions to national and international claims by supervisors.

EXPERIENCE SUMMARY

Government contracts attorney with experience in legal, regulatory compliance, and DoD acquisitions background along with providing comprehensive support and advice related to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement (FAR/DFARS), and other DoD agency supplements such as DoD Instruction 5000.2, DoD Directive (DODD) 5530.03, and weapon system acquisitions. I have provided balanced, strategic legal advice and counsel to DoD senior military, civilian, and C -suite leaders along with effectively engaging with staff, customers, and vendors. Self-directed and detail-oriented, with a broad range of legal and compliance expertise centered on legal analysis and identifying/mitigating legal risk.  

Ethics and Compliance Director – Government Contracts Counsel | November 2020 – October 2022

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for Industrial Policy | Pentagon | Washington D.C. Attorney Advisor Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States | February – November 2020

United States Air Force Headquarters, Operations Division | Pentagon | Washington D.C. Senior Project Analyst – Air Force Command & Control Division | February 2019 – February 2020

Special Project Officer/Division Lead, Lieutenant Colonel | USAF Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program Office | July 2016 – February 2019

J-33 Joint Operations Division – Africa and Europe – Battle Captain – National Military Command Center (NMCC) | Pentagon | Washington D.C. | Joint Staff Action Officer, Lt. Colonel | May 2011 – July 2012

Division Chief – Air National Guard Command and Control (C2), Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance (ISR) Division | July 2012 – July 2016

Navy General Counsel | Patuxent River, MD | Assistant Division Counsel | September 2006 – January 2008

BAR ADMISSIONS

New York State, DC Bar Pending

Not admitted to Virginia Bar, Corporate Counsel Eligible.  Limited to federal law-related issues only.

EDUCATION

  • Norwich University, B.A.
  • Embry-Riddle University, M.B.A. – Business Management and Finance
  • SUNY Buffalo College of Law, J.D. – Honors in Tax, Commercial and Business Law

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Bar Association

Association of Corporate Counsel

New York State Bar Association

Reserve Officers Association

Military Officers Association of America

Air and Space Forces Association

National Guard Association of America

CONTACT

If you are a defense government contractor, or overseas government contractor or an individual needing aggressive legal representation from top legal defense and litigation counsel, contact us online or call us for a Free Initial Consultation at 1.866.601.5518.