10 FAQs: Navigating Legal Challenges for Construction Government Contractors Impacted by President Trump’s Recent Executive Orders

Sam Finnerty is a trusted legal partner to government contractors, helping businesses secure, defend, and maximize federal contracting opportunities. With deep expertise in federal procurement, construction law, small business programs, and litigation, Sam provides strategic counsel to contractors navigating the complex world of government compliance and disputes.

A seasoned advocate, Sam represents contractors in high stakes bid protests before the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition (ODRA), U.S. Court of Federal Claims (COFC), and state/local procurement agencies. He also defends and pursues small business size and socio-economic status protests before the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA). As a key member of the firm’s Government Contract Claims & Appeals Group, Sam has extensive experience handling Contract Dispute Act claims, requests for equitable adjustment (REAs), cure notice and show cause responses, terminations, and contract performance disputes.

Beyond litigation, Sam helps businesses leverage federal set-aside programs, advising on the 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, and All Small Mentor-Protégé Programs. He drafts and negotiates teaming agreements, GSA CTAs, joint ventures, subcontracts, mentor-protégé agreements, and other contracts to ensure clients remain competitive in the federal marketplace. Additionally, Sam advises contractors on a diverse array of regulatory compliance issues arising under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and SBA regulations, including recertification, limitations on subcontracting, organizational conflicts of interest (OCI), adverse past performance evaluations (CPARs), security clearances (FCLs and PCLs), and affiliation. Sam also works closely with the firm’s Business & Transactions Group to guide contractors through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), due diligence, and novation agreements, ensuring seamless transitions in government contracting.

Sam is an active member of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) GovConNet Council, which advocates on behalf of the contracting community. He also supports the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) by providing frequent trainings and instruction to its veteran-owned small business members.

Lauren represents commercial businesses in a variety of government contracting and litigation matters. As Chair of PilieroMazza’s REAs, Claims, and Appeals Group, she leads a team of attorneys who assist clients in every phase of the contract dispute process.

A highly skilled practitioner, government contractors benefit from Lauren’s substantial experience managing complex claims and appeals for contractors under the Contract Disputes Act (CDA) and other applicable jurisdictional statutes. This experience is particularly valuable for contractors seeking monetary relief and time extensions from procuring agencies, as she adeptly handles cases at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and various boards of contract appeals. Lauren’s work in this area extends to advocating for the rights of contractors facing constructive changes, unjustified terminations, cure and show cause notices, and defective or vague specifications.

Lauren also offers clients guidance on bid protests, lease negotiations, GSA schedule compliance, multiple award contracts, and solicitation reviews. She is adept at counseling clients on suspension and debarment proceedings, mandatory disclosures, alternative dispute resolution, False Claims Act (FCA) actions, and other issues under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

 Lauren’s past experience includes assisting contractors on how to navigate the complex nature of Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) and host nation laws applied to contractors supporting missions in the Middle East and Europe.