In this episode of Claims & Sustains, we break down the Executive Order pushing agencies toward greater use of fixed-price contracts—and what that means for contractors. We explore the government’s rationale, the practical challenges of shifting risk to industry, and how this policy may reshape pricing, performance, and dispute dynamics. The bottom line: fixed-price contracting is expanding, and contractors need to be prepared to manage the increased risk that comes with it.
DOJ’s FOCUS Initiative — The Rise of Data-Miner Whistleblowers
In this episode of Claims & Sustains, we unpack DOJ’s new FOCUS Initiative and what it signals about the future of False Claims Act enforcement. We explain the rise of “data-miner” whistleblowers—outsiders using publicly available data and analytics to identify alleged fraud—and how DOJ is prioritizing high-quality, data-driven qui tam cases. For contractors, the takeaway is clear: FCA risk is no longer just about insiders—it’s increasingly about what your data reveals.
Seyfarth’s Government Contracts Practice Advances to Band 2 in Chambers USA 2026 Elite Rankings
Seyfarth’s Government Contracts practice has advanced to Band 2 in the 2026 edition of Chambers USA’s “Government Contracts: The Elite” category, underscoring the group’s sustained excellence and reputation as one of the leading practices in the nation. This designation places Seyfarth among a select group of firms acknowledged for their depth of experience, strong market presence, and ability to advise on complex and high-stakes government contracting matters.
The nationwide practice-level recognition is complemented by individual rankings that reflect the strength and breadth of the team:
- Adam Lasky – Government Contracts
- Amy Hoang – Government Contracts; Government Contracts: Bid Protests
- Edward Arnold – Government Contracts
- Erica Bakies – Government Contracts
Feedback also emphasized the group’s collaborative approach and integration with client teams, with one client describing Seyfarth as “a seamless extension of the legal team.” Others pointed to the practice’s depth, responsiveness, and ability to consistently deliver high-quality work aligned with business objectives. The team’s “global reach,” combined with its ability to scale and handle a wide range of matters, was also recognized as a key differentiator.
This recognition reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to providing strategic, commercially focused counsel across the full spectrum of government contracting issues. As the firm continues to build on this momentum, the Government Contracts practice remains focused on helping clients navigate an increasingly complex and evolving regulatory environment.
DPA Title III and the New Energy Industrial Base
In this episode of Claims & Sustains, Teddie Arnold breaks down the Administration’s recent use of the Defense Production Act to accelerate investment in U.S. energy infrastructure. What looks like energy policy is really a major shift in government contracting—unlocking fast-moving funding opportunities, new deal structures, and heightened compliance risks. We walk through what the determinations do, why the waiver authority matters, and how contractors can position themselves before DOE dollars start flowing.
DOT’s DBE Interim Final Rule: What It Means for Current and Out-to-Bid Projects
Seyfarth government contracts attorney Zach Jacobson talks with Seyfarth construction attorney Sydney Jenkins about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Interim Final Rule reshaping the DBE program and what it means for contractors working on federally funded transportation and airport projects. The conversation draws on Seyfarth’s recent Construction Seyt posts, “California’s DBE Reevaluation Deadline Is Here: What Contractors Need to Do Before April 16” and “USDOT’s DBE Interim Final Rule: How It Affects Current and Out-to-Bid DOT and Airport Projects.” For more, visit Construction Seyt: https://www.constructionseyt.com/
CICA Stay Overrides after Life Science Logistics, LLC v. U.S.
Seyfarth government contracts lawyers Ken Kanzawa and Ashton Jones-Doherty discuss CICA stays, overrides, and the Federal Circuit’s April 15, 2026 decision in Life Science Logistics, LLC v. United States, which held that protesters need not prove the equitable relief factors to reinstate a CICA stay.
The Clock Is Still Ticking — Claims Timeliness Across the Boards and at the COFC
Seyfarth associates Zach Jacobson and Sarah Barney reunite to discuss timeliness issues – this time in contract claims and claim appeals.
5 Things to Know About the DEI Executive Order
Seyfarth partners Amy Hoang and Teddie Arnold give you the 5 most important takeaways from the March 26, 2026 Executive Order, “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors.”
Civil Investigative Demands — What They Are, How They Work, and How to Respond
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Civil Investigative Demands are often a contractor’s first encounter with a False Claims Act investigation. In this episode of Claims & Sustains, we break down what CIDs are, why DOJ issues them, how they work, and—most importantly—how contractors should respond. We walk through the CID process from receipt to resolution, highlight common pitfalls, and explain how a strategic response can shape the outcome long before a case is filed.
Full Count Conflicts: Navigating OCIs on Opening Day
Seyfarth partners Amy Hoang and Adam Lasky discuss organizational conflicts of interest and how, in both baseball and government contracting, you can’t play for both teams.