Government Contracts Overview

Contracts to perform services or provide goods to government agencies are governed by state or federal law, depending on the agency involved. Because a government represents the public interest, it must follow certain procedural and disclosure rules to ensure that its contracts are awarded properly. Generally, government contracts have more restrictive terms than private contracts. Contracts are usually awarded through a competitive sealed-bidding process and are closely scrutinized by contracting officers.

Disputes and appeals concerning government contracts, contractors, and contractor-applicants are often handled through an appeals or dispute-resolution process. Alternatively, the wronged party may sue in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims or the relevant state court. Government contract law is quite complex, so it's advisable to seek the advice of an attorney with expertise in this area before signing a government contract or initiating a lawsuit.