Robert Nichols

Mr. Nichols' practice focuses on US procurement, regulatory, and litigation matters for contractors in the areas of defense and aerospace, large-scale construction, and international development. His experience includes compliance counseling; litigating and arbitrating claims and terminations; leading teams defending against investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, Inspectors General and Congress; suspension and debarment actions; procurement-related legislation; negotiating contract terms; due diligence for contractor M&A; Foreign Military Sales; security clearance issues; and risk mitigation techniques for contractors working overseas. Mr. Nichols has been an active lecturer and author. He has taught a course on international government and commercial contracts for Federal Publications Seminars and at various top defense and aerospace companies. REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS Lead counsel for an NGO in what is believed to be the largest USAID suspension and False Claims Act case ever brought. Representation of a top five defense & aerospace contractor on a range of bid protests, claims, and overseas contracting matters. Lead counsel for Fortune 50 aerospace contractor in seeking a “present responsibility” determination by its military customers following a deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department, a consent agreement with the State Department, and special interest from the Senate Armed Services Committee. Representation of a Middle East company on contracts with the U.S. State Department valued at $2 billion for the construction of embassies in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Representation of a Dubai-based energy company selling fuel to the Defense Department for military bases in the Middle East. Representation of multiple major defense contractors in successful defense of GAO bid protests relating to armored fighter vehicle procurements valued in excess of $40 billion. Lead counsel for a Fortune 50 contractor in $90 million claim against the government, settling the case at full value after extensive negotiations with USAID and the National Security Council. Advising some of the largest overseas contractors and NGOs in developing worldwide compliance programs, acquiring US subsidiaries, and navigating the regulatory environment to build US government contracts business. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE Judge Advocate General, Honors Program of the U.S. Army Corps Engineers HONORS AND RANKINGS Washington DC Super Lawyers, Government Contracts (2013) PRO BONO Mr. Nichols' pro bono work includes being outside general counsel to the Army Engineer Association. MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS GW Law Government Contracting Industry Advisory Board, Member Founder and former Advisory Board Chair of the “International Government Contractor,” a Thomson West publication. American Bar Association, International Procurement Committee of the Section of Public Contract Law, former Chair American Society of International Law, Member