Federal and state contracting presents opportunities and risks unlike any commercial market. The rewards can be substantial, with multi-year contracts worth significant amounts. But the regulatory burden is significant. The Federal Acquisition Regulation alone spans thousands of pages, with agency supplements adding layers of complexity. Mistakes in proposal preparation, compliance failures during performance, or improper responses to audits can result in contract termination, suspension, debarment, or False Claims Act liability.
Texas ranks among the top states for federal contract awards, with contractors supporting federal operations across defense, aerospace, healthcare, information technology, and construction sectors. NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston generates substantial contracting activity. Military installations throughout the state, including Fort Cavazos, Joint Base San Antonio, and Fort Bliss, require ongoing support services. Beyond federal work, Texas state agencies award substantial contracts annually through the Texas Comptroller’s Centralized Master Bidders List and agency-specific procurements. Success in government contracting requires understanding both federal and Texas state procurement processes, regulatory requirements, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
What Government Contracts Attorneys Handle
Bid Protests and Proposal Support
When agencies make flawed award decisions, contractors can challenge those decisions through bid protests filed with the Government Accountability Office, the Court of Federal Claims, or the procuring agency. Government contracts attorneys evaluate protest grounds, file timely challenges, and represent contractors through protest proceedings. They also assist with proposal preparation, helping contractors respond to solicitation requirements and avoid common mistakes that result in rejection.
Compliance and Regulatory Matters
Government contractors face extensive compliance requirements including Cost Accounting Standards, Truth in Negotiations Act disclosures, cybersecurity regulations, small business subcontracting plans, and Buy American Act provisions. Attorneys help contractors develop compliance programs, respond to audits by DCAA and inspectors general, and address issues before they become enforcement matters. They also assist with SBA size protests and certification matters for small business programs.
Contract Disputes and Claims
When disagreements arise during contract performance, the Contract Disputes Act provides mechanisms for resolution of federal disputes. Contractors submit claims to contracting officers and can appeal adverse decisions to the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, or Court of Federal Claims. Texas state contract disputes proceed through different channels, including protests to the Texas Comptroller and litigation in Texas state courts. Government contracts attorneys prepare claims, negotiate with contracting officers, and litigate disputes through the appropriate administrative and judicial forums.
Texas State Procurement
Texas state contracting follows the Texas Government Code and rules established by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The state’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program creates opportunities for certified minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses. Contractors must register with the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) to receive bid opportunities from state agencies. Attorneys help Texas businesses navigate state procurement requirements, respond to solicitations, protest award decisions, and resolve disputes with state agencies.
How to Choose a Government Contracts Attorney
Federal procurement focus. Government contracting involves specialized regulations and forums distinct from commercial practice. Choose attorneys who concentrate in this area rather than generalists who occasionally handle government matters.
Forum experience. Different disputes proceed to different tribunals. Ensure your attorney has experience with GAO bid protests, Board of Contract Appeals cases, and Court of Federal Claims litigation as appropriate for your needs.
Agency knowledge. Requirements and practices vary across federal agencies. Attorneys with experience at the specific agencies you work with understand procurement patterns and decision-making tendencies that inform strategy.
Size-appropriate representation. Large defense contractors have different needs than small businesses pursuing set-aside contracts. Choose a firm scaled to your operations and budget.
Texas Government Contracts Attorneys
Watson & Associates, LLC
Location: Houston, Texas (also Washington, D.C. and other offices)
Website: https://governmentcontractsdc.com
Phone: (866) 601-5518
This boutique firm represents federal contractors in bid protests, contract disputes, compliance matters, and False Claims Act defense. The attorneys handle matters before the GAO, Court of Federal Claims, Boards of Contract Appeals, and SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals. The firm serves contractors ranging from small businesses to large defense contractors, with particular experience in SBA small business programs, mentor-protégé arrangements, and joint venture compliance.
Practice Focus: Bid protests at GAO and COFC, Contract Disputes Act claims, False Claims Act defense, SBA size protests and appeals, suspension and debarment defense, government contract fraud defense, FAR compliance counseling
Jackson Walker LLP
Location: Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio (statewide)
Website: https://www.jw.com
Phone: (713) 752-4200
This Texas-based firm provides full-service government contracts and procurement representation for both federal and state contracting. The attorneys have handled bid protests with Texas agencies including TxDOT, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and DART, as well as federal matters with agencies including DOD, GSA, and VA. The firm advises on procurement compliance, contract performance issues, and open government matters including FOIA and Texas Public Information Act requests.
Practice Focus: State and federal bid protests, government procurement compliance, contract performance counseling, OFCCP compliance, SBA size matters, open government and FOIA, procurement integrity issues
Cokinos | Young
Location: Houston, Austin, Dallas (statewide)
Website: https://www.cokinoslaw.com
Phone: (832) 762-4443
This construction-focused firm added federal government contracting capability to serve contractors navigating the federal marketplace. The team assists contractors with qualifying for federal work, winning and defending contracts through bid protests, regulatory compliance during performance, and litigation when disputes arise with government agencies. The firm’s construction law foundation provides particular strength in federal construction contracting matters.
Practice Focus: Federal construction contracting, bid protests, contract disputes, Miller Act bond claims, Davis-Bacon compliance, federal procurement fraud defense, small business certification issues
Costs and Fees
Government contracts legal fees depend on matter complexity and urgency. GAO bid protests, which must be filed within strict deadlines, typically require retainers of $15,000 to $50,000 or more depending on contract value and complexity. Court of Federal Claims protests and Board appeals involve higher costs due to more extensive procedures. Contract dispute claims may proceed on hourly billing or alternative arrangements depending on amounts at issue. Compliance counseling and audit defense typically proceed at hourly rates of $350 to $700 depending on attorney experience and firm size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bid protest?
GAO protest deadlines are strict. Protests challenging solicitation terms must be filed before the proposal due date. Protests challenging award decisions must generally be filed within 10 days of when the protester knew or should have known of the basis for protest. Missing these deadlines typically bars the protest. Texas state contract protests have different deadlines depending on the procuring agency and contract type.
What happens if my company receives a DCAA audit notice?
Respond promptly and professionally. DCAA audits examine cost accounting practices, billing accuracy, and compliance with contract terms. Engaging a government contracts attorney early helps ensure appropriate document production, protects privileged communications, and positions your company to address findings before they escalate to formal enforcement.
Can my company be debarred for a single compliance failure?
While single violations can trigger suspension or debarment in egregious cases, agencies typically consider the severity of misconduct, pattern of behavior, remedial actions taken, and present responsibility of the contractor. Companies that discover violations, self-disclose, cooperate with investigations, and implement corrective measures often avoid debarment. Both federal agencies and Texas state agencies maintain debarment authority.
How do I get certified as a HUB in Texas?
The Texas Comptroller’s Statewide HUB Program certifies businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women, minorities, or service-disabled veterans. Certification requires submitting an application with supporting documentation including ownership verification, business licenses, and financial statements. HUB certification can improve competitiveness for Texas state contracts with HUB participation goals.
This directory provides general information about government contracts attorneys in Texas. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Government contracting involves complex federal regulations with strict deadlines and significant consequences. Consult directly with a qualified government contracts attorney about your specific situation.
Last Updated: January 2026
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, endorsement, or recommendation of any attorney or law firm. Information about attorneys and law firms was compiled from publicly available sources and may not be current or accurate. We make no representations or warranties about the qualifications, experience, or quality of any attorney listed. Fee estimates are approximations only and actual costs may vary significantly. Always verify attorney credentials with the State Bar of Texas, confirm current contact information, and conduct your own due diligence before hiring legal counsel. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this directory.