Arent Fox construction attorneys represent a broad spectrum of clients on public projects, including public agencies, private developers, design professionals, and contractors. Our services range from drafting and negotiating project agreements to representing clients in all forms of dispute resolution. In addition, we advise clients and lecture on green building and sustainability issues. We are experienced with both design-build and design-bid-build project delivery systems.

The following projects and transactions provide a glimpse into the depth and breadth of our practice. We have represented:

• A leading design professional in the negotiation of its contract with the District of Columbia Courts for the renovation of the Old DC Courthouse.
• The owner/developer in the negotiation of project agreements for the gut renovation of space leased to the University of the District of Columbia.
• The Public Finance Authority of the US Virgin Islands in connection with its capital program, which included design-build projects.
• The City of New York in litigation arising out of the collapse of 7 World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
• The private developer in a public-private partnership for the expansion and modernization of a major transportation hub.
• Design professionals and construction companies in disputes arising out of public school dormitory and construction projects; and bidders on public bid protests.

The Arent Fox Government Contractor Services practice touches every aspect of the government’s procurement and contract administration processes – from solicitations and proposals to terminations and audits. Our attorneys are well-versed in all aspects of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and agency FAR supplements. We assist clients in understanding those requirements, as well as the many additional clauses typically found in solicitations, contracts, and lease agreements.

We have in depth experience bringing and defending bid protests relating to solicitations and awards by all agencies. Our experience includes representing developers and lessors in claims against federal government agencies, including GSA, for such things as constructive changes, delays, unreasonable default terminations, and other improper government actions relating to public buildings. Often, where agencies could not be persuaded to grant claims or enter into reasonable settlement agreements, our Government Contractor Services attorneys have brought actions in the cognizant boards of contract appeals and in the United States Court of Federal Claims.

We are familiar with energy savings performance contracts, and have successfully negotiated disputes with government agencies, and advised clients in the construction industry about issues arising out of such contracts, applicable regulations, and presentation of claims. Our experience also includes litigating disputes arising out of construction contracts in various arbitration venues, mediations, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

The Arent Fox Public Financing group has represented numerous bond insurers, developers and underwriters in the financing of projects leased to the federal government, including under leases that are subject to termination for non-appropriation. Projects include facilities for the GSA, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, Veterans Administration and the Army, and are structured to respond to the unique contracting, procurement, lien perfection and enforcement rules that apply to federal entities, as well as the capital market’s rating criteria.