US Government Contracts Lawyers & Puerto Rico False Claims Act Defense Attorneys
Watson & Associates, LLC – Puerto Rico Government Contractor Lawyers & False Claims Act Defense Attorneys
Expert Legal Services for Federal Government Contractors and HealthCare Industry Clients in Puerto Rico. We Serve Clients in San Juan, Bayamón, Ponce, Carolina, Caguas, Arecibo, Mayagüez, Guaynabo, Trujillo Alto, and Fajardo.
One day, you come to your office or home, only to be serviced with termination for default notice or worse, a civil investigative demand (CID) or subpoena from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or Office of Inspector General (OIG). If you are a health care company or provider, you may receive a CID or Subpoena for False Claims Act healthcare fraud charges.
How do you respond? What are your next steps? And most importantly, how do you protect your business and reputation? Failure to adequately protect your rights early or respond to the government’s actions can cost you your reputation and substantial revenues to your company.
FEDERAL PROCUREMENT | CIVIL INVESTIGATIVE DEMANDS | HEALTHCARE FRAUD | CONTRACT TERMINATIONS | BID PROTESTS | SUSPENSION & DEBARMENT, LITIGATION AND APPEALS, CONTRACTOR CLAIMS | BUY AMERICAN ACT | TRADE AGREEMENTS ACT | SUBPOENAS | QUI TAM DEFENSE | INDICTMENTS | FEDERAL CRIMINAL TRIALS | WHITE COLLAR DEFENSE
At Watson & Associates, LLC, our Puerto Rico government contractor lawyers understand the complexities and challenges that federal contractors face when doing business with the government in Puerto Rico. Our team of experienced attorneys has a deep knowledge of both federal contracting law and local laws and regulations in Puerto Rico. We are dedicated to providing expert legal services to help you navigate through any potential issues or disputes that may arise.
Whether you are facing a termination for default or an investigation by the DOJ or OIG, we can provide comprehensive guidance on how to respond and what actions to take. Our team will work closely with you to analyze the situation and develop a strategic plan to protect your interests.
We Serve U.S. Clients and Also Have Overseas Reach
Locations: Washington, DC; Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Dubai. – Positioned to Handle False Claims Act Defense Nationwide and Overseas.
Watson & Associates, LLC emerges as a pivotal legal authority for federal government contractors in Puerto Rico. The distinct nature of U.S. federal procurement laws, coupled with the local business environment, presents unique challenges for contractors in the region. Our federal procurement team’s deep experience with Federal Government and Contracting Agencies provides invaluable insights for mastering the complexities of U.S. government contracting in Puerto Rico.
Overcoming the Hurdles of Federal Procurement in Puerto Rico
Entering the federal procurement arena in Puerto Rico opens doors to vast opportunities. Yet, it also brings risks, such as critical agency decisions and potential legal issues. Our firm, with key offices in Washington DC and Denver, Colorado, extends its expertise to the Puerto Rican community, ready to support both emerging businesses and major DOD contractors in overcoming these hurdles.
We assist Puerto Rican federal government contractors in sectors like construction, healthcare, service industries, real estate, TSA, State Department contracts, embassy contracts, manufacturing, reselling, and more.
In criminal or civil charges cases, our federal criminal defense attorneys represent Puerto Rican federal contractors in civil investigative demands, subpoena responses, False Claims Act defense, and more. We provide expert guidance for Puerto Rican contractors facing investigations under the Buy American Act (BAA) or Trade Agreements Act (TAA).
Diverse US Government Contracting Legal Services in Puerto Rico
- Consulting Services: Tailored consulting for Puerto Rican government contractors, focusing on FAR compliance, federal government marketing strategies adapted to the Puerto Rican market, and overcoming local regulatory challenges.
- Government Contract Fraud Criminal Defense Attorneys: Defense against procurement fraud allegations, addressing the distinct legal context of Puerto Rico.
- Federal Procurement Litigation & Appeals: Skilled representation in bid protests, contract disputes, and appeals, understanding the specifics of Puerto Rican federal contracting.
- Government Contracts Small Business Assistance: Extensive support for small businesses in Puerto Rico, including guidance on local SBA certifications, size protests, and handling small business fraud cases like SBA 8(a), HUBZone and SDVOSB fraud.
- Government Investigations & False Claims Act Defense: Puerto Rico federal criminal defense lawyers assisting clients under federal investigation in Puerto Rico, ensuring compliance with federal and local regulations.
- Healthcare Fraud: Our Puerto Rico Healthcare fraud defense lawyers provide immediate help in federal cases.
- Government Contractor Suspension and Debarment Representation: Legal assistance for Puerto Rican businesses and government employees in suspension or debarment cases.
- White Collar Crime Defense: Strong defense for Puerto Rican individuals and businesses facing government contractor white-collar crime allegations.
Theodore Watson, leading the overseas and Caribbean government contracts Practice Group, brings a unique perspective with his Caribbean roots, understanding the cultural nuances while adeptly handling legal issues in U.S. government procurement.
Your Legal Ally in US Federal Government Contracting
Our legal team is recognized for its prowess in government contract defense law, tailored to the specific needs of Puerto Rico government contractors in the region.
Our law firm provides proactive strategies to safeguard your rights and reputation, leveraging our understanding of the federal and Puerto Rican procurement legal landscapes.
For specialized support in government contract fraud criminal defense, contact us at 1.866.601.5518. We are committed to serving your legal needs in Puerto Rico.
US Buy American Act & TAA Compliance in Puerto Rico
Many companies and government contractors manufacture and or sell products to the United States. Healthcare organizations also provide products and medical equipment to the federal government. These products, regardless of whether you are a prime contractor, subcontractor or manufacturer, may be subject to the Trade Agreements Act in Puerto Rico.
If you are performing federal construction projects, you may be subjected t o the Buy American Act compliance requirements. This is true whether you are a prime contractor, subcontractor or manufacturer. In addition if you are contacted with a False Claims Act civil investigative demand or criminal subpoena, our Puerto Rico federal criminal defense attorneys can help
Our government contracts law firm specializes in guiding Puerto Rican contractors through the complexities of the Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act, ensuring TAA compliance and avoiding exposure.
Defending Against US Government Contract Fraud in Puerto Rico
Fraud allegations can severely impact the business community in Puerto Rico. Our team is adept at defending against such claims, with a thorough understanding of federal and Puerto Rican regulations and practices.
Puerto Rico Federal False Claims Act Lawyers
Our False Claims Act lawyers are experienced in Federal False Claims cases, particularly as it applies in Puerto Rico for small business contractors, healthcare providers, and more, offering a strong defense against related charges. If you contacted by the federal government (OIG, FBI, or DOJ), via a false claims civil investigative demand (CID), subpoena in a criminal case, or if you are recently indicted in federal criminal case, our federal False Claims Act attorneys can help.
Types of Government Contract Fraud False Claims Act Cases
If you are facing criminal charges or being investigated for government contract fraud, Watson’s Puerto Rico federal criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- Bid rigging: When companies conspire to ensure a predetermined winner receives the contract
- False statements: When companies submit proposals with false or misleading information
- Defective products or services: When companies provide goods or services that do not meet the contract specifications
- Progress payment fraud: When a contractor fraudulently certifies that they have incurred costs that are eligible for reimbursement
- Fraud involving nonconforming materials: When contractors falsify documentation that all materials meet the contract specifications
- Cost mischarging: When a company inflates its costs charged to the government
- Cross-charging: When a company performs work on one contract and charges the costs of this work to another contract
- Bribes or kickbacks: When a company obtains a contract through bribery or kickbacks
- Misrepresenting cybersecurity safety protocols: When a company misrepresents cybersecurity safety protocols in place, or conceals data breaches
- Trade Agreements Act non-compliance. When companies fail to follow TAA compliance requirements when selling products to the government.
- Buy American Act non-compliance. When companies fail to follow BBA compliance requirements when selling products and materials to the government
- Violating SBA Programs such as 8(a) BD Program, HUBZone, and SDVOSB requirements
- Falsifying information on contract proposals.
- Using Federal funds to purchase items that are not for Government use.
- Billing more than one contract for the same work.
- Billing for expenses not incurred as part of the contract.
- Billing for work that was never performed.
Puerto Rico Healthcare Fraud Defense Lawyers & False Claims Act Defense Attorney Services
Our FCA lawyers help healthcare providers in Puerto Rico who are facing FCA civil and criminal exposure. Whether you are facing fraud charges for overbilling When you. face government audits and government investigations due to health care fraud or False Claims allegations; you are exposed to serious fines and dangerous criminal penalties.
Types of Healthcare Fraud Cases
- Misrepresentation of the type or level of service provided;
- Misrepresentation of the individual rendering service;
- Billing for items and services that have not been rendered;
- Billing for services that have not been properly documented;
- Billing for items and services that are not medically necessary;
- Seeking payment or reimbursement for services rendered for procedures that are integral to other procedures performed on the same date of service (unbundling);
- Seeking increased payment or reimbursement for services that would be correctly billed at a lower rate (up-coding).
Abuse is defined as practices that are inconsistent with accepted sound fiscal, business, or medical practices and result in unnecessary costs or reimbursements for services that are not medically necessary or that fail to meet professionally recognized standards for health care.
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- Misusing codes on a claim;
- Charging excessively for services or supplies; and
- Billing for services that were not medically necessary.
Healthcare Providers in Puerto Rico Can Be Charged for Billing Fraud Fraud Regardless of Intent
In federal healthcare fraud criminal cases, claiming you didn’t know is not a legal defense. Even if someone at your company unknowingly overbilled Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or the VA, you can still face healthcare fraud charges in Puerto Rico. You can also be charged with civil False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute violations. Call Watson’s Puerto Rico federal criminal defense lawyers for immediate help.
Puerto Rico federal Stark Law also imposes civil penalties for physicians who engage in prohibited referral transactions related to designated health services, regardless of whether they knew of their actions. Call our Puerto Rico Healthcare Fraud defense lawyers for immediate help at 1.866.601.5518 and speak directly to Theodore Watson.
Get Your Free HealthCare Fraud Defense Checklist Here – Available for the NEXT 10 days
Are you facing a federal healthcare fraud audit or government investigation by the DOJ, HHS, OIG. or any other federal agency in Puerto Rico? Watson & Associates, LLC healthcare fraud and False Claims Act defense attorney can help. The. law firm will quickly build a legal defense team, specifically your case.
As federal government contracts lawyers, we also offer specialized legal services for healthcare fraud cases in Puerto Rico, representing manufacturers, healthcare providers, and others facing civil or criminal healthcare fraud investigations.
Contact Us for Expertise in Federal Government Contracts
For professional legal guidance on federal government contracts in Puerto Rico, reach out to Watson & Associates, LLC online or call us at 1-866-601-5518. We are here to provide the expertise and support needed to navigate the complexities of federal procurement law in Puerto Rico.