Closing Date: 30th April, 2028

Description:

Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP is seeking a mid-level associate (3–6 years of experience) to join its nationally recognized Government Contracts practice. This position offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated matters involving federal, state, and local procurement, grants and cooperative agreements, regulatory counseling, and related litigation. The role also includes advising Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) and their affiliated entities on issues arising under federal contracting and federal assistance programs.

Responsibilities:
The associate will advise government contractors and grant recipients, including Alaska Native Corporation entities, on a wide range of regulatory and compliance matters and represent clients in disputes arising under government contracts and federal financial assistance programs. Responsibilities will include:

Counseling clients on federal procurement regulations, including the FAR, DFARS, and agency supplements
Representing clients in bid protests, contract claims, and disputes before the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Boards of Contract Appeals, and other tribunals
Representing clients in False Claims Act (FCA) matters, including government investigations, qui tam actions, civil litigation, and related compliance and enforcement proceedings involving federal procurement and grant funding
Conducting internal investigations and compliance reviews involving the use of federal funds
Assisting with regulatory disputes or enforcement matters involving federal grants and cooperative agreements
Supporting M&A due diligence and transactional matters involving government contracts, ANC subsidiaries, and federal grant funding
Collaborating with attorneys across offices on complex regulatory, compliance, and litigation matters
Advising on federal grants and cooperative agreements, including compliance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 C.F.R. Part 200)
Assisting clients with grant lifecycle issues, including proposal strategy, award negotiation, post-award administration, cost allowability, and closeout
Advising on grant compliance, audit findings, and enforcement issues, including matters involving Inspectors General, agency oversight, and potential suspension or debarment
Counseling clients on compliance with federal socioeconomic and small business contracting programs, including those administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration
Advising Alaska Native Corporations and their subsidiaries, including participants in the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, on regulatory compliance, eligibility, and structuring issues associated with federal contracting
Assisting ANC clients with matters involving sole-source and competitive procurements, joint ventures, mentor-protégé relationships, and affiliation considerations
Advising on cost principles, allowability, allocability, and audit requirements for entities receiving federal funding

Qualifications:

3–6 years of experience in government contracts and/or federal grants counseling, investigations, or litigation
Experience advising on federal procurement and/or federal financial assistance programs
Familiarity with the FAR, DFARS, and federal procurement processes, and Uniform Guidance (2 C.F.R. Part 200) governing federal grants and cooperative agreements
Experience with or exposure to SBA small business programs, including the 8(a) Business Development Program, mentor-protégé arrangements, or joint venture structures
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
Excellent academic credentials
Admission to the bar in the jurisdiction where the candidate will practice (or ability to obtain promptly)

Preferred Experience:

Experience advising Alaska Native Corporations, tribal entities, or other Native-owned businesses participating in federal contracting programs
Familiarity with regulatory issues affecting ANC subsidiaries and affiliated entities, including eligibility, affiliation, and procurement considerations
Experience with grant compliance, cost principles, or federal audit processes
Experience responding to OIG inquiries, agency oversight reviews, or enforcement matters involving federal funding
Experience before the GAO, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, or Boards of Contract Appeals
Prior government experience or clerkship in a procurement- or grants-related role or tribunal
Experience advising on False Claims Act exposure, suspension and debarment, or related enforcement risks involving federal funds
Experience advising on federal construction contracting, including issues arising under FAR Part 36
Familiarity with construction-related federal contract clauses and requirements, including bonding, specifications, and contract administration issues
Experience handling construction claims and disputes, including delay, disruption, differing site conditions, changes, and termination issues
Experience representing contractors in construction-related claims before Boards of Contract Appeals or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Experience advising on compliance issues applicable to federal construction projects, including prevailing wage requirements such as those under the Davis-Bacon Act

About the Practice:
The firm's Government Contracts group advises leading government contractors, companies, small business concerns, nonprofits, universities, and Alaska Native Corporation enterprises on the full lifecycle of federal contracting and grant funding—from proposal strategy and regulatory compliance to complex disputes, investigations, and audits. Associates work directly with experienced practitioners and gain early responsibility on high-profile matters.