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Government Contracts Attorneys in Texas

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  • 3 firms listed
  • 5 questions answered

Government contracts can be large and long-running, but they come with rules that commercial contracts do not. Federal contractors work under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency supplements, and mistakes in a proposal, during performance, or in an audit can lead to termination, suspension or debarment, or False Claims Act liability. Texas state contracts follow the Government Code and Comptroller rules, with their own procedures for protests and claims.

Texas contractors support NASA’s Johnson Space Center, military installations such as Joint Base San Antonio and Fort Bliss, and federal and state agencies in defense, aerospace, health care, information technology, and construction. Two current changes affect many of them. The FAR is being rewritten under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, with overhauled parts implemented through agency deviations, so counsel has to track which version governs each solicitation. Defense contractors that handle federal contract information or controlled unclassified information need the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) level a solicitation requires, because contracting officers may not award to an offeror without a current CMMC status at that level (48 C.F.R. § 204.7502). Data security rules beyond CMMC are covered in the guide to cybersecurity and data privacy attorneys in Texas.

What Government Contracts Attorneys Handle

Bid Protests and Proposals

When an agency makes a flawed award decision, a contractor can protest to the agency, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. GAO deadlines are short: a protest of an apparent solicitation defect must be filed before the time set for receipt of proposals, and most other protests must be filed within 10 days after the basis of protest is known or should have been known, with a special rule tied to required debriefings (4 C.F.R. § 21.2). Attorneys evaluate grounds, file protests, intervene to defend awards, and help with proposals.

Compliance

Contractors deal with cost accounting standards, cost or pricing data requirements, cybersecurity requirements including CMMC, small business subcontracting plans, and domestic preference rules. Attorneys build compliance programs, respond to DCAA and inspector general audits, and handle SBA size and status protests.

Contract Disputes and Claims

For federal contracts, the Contract Disputes Act requires the contractor to submit a claim to the contracting officer, and an adverse decision can be appealed to the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, or the Court of Federal Claims. For Texas state agencies, breach of contract claims go through Government Code Chapter 2260. The contractor must give written notice of the claim no later than the 180th day after the event giving rise to it (§ 2260.051), negotiate with the agency, and, if that fails, request a contested case hearing (§ 2260.102). These procedures are exclusive and required prerequisites to a suit under Chapter 107 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code (§ 2260.005), but Chapter 2260 itself does not waive sovereign immunity to suit or liability (§ 2260.006). A lawsuit against the state requires a separate legal basis, such as legislative permission or another statutory waiver.

Texas State Procurement and VetHUB

State solicitations are posted on the Electronic State Business Daily, and the Comptroller’s Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) is used to notify registered vendors of bid opportunities. The Comptroller’s former Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program is now Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB), which certifies service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, according to the Comptroller. The December 2025 restructuring removed women- and minority-owned businesses from the program and is being challenged in a Travis County lawsuit; in April 2026 a judge ordered six plaintiff businesses reinstated and set a trial date of November 9, 2026, according to news reports. Eligibility may change as the case proceeds.

How to Choose a Government Contracts Attorney

Procurement focus. Government contracts law has its own regulations and forums. Choose an attorney who practices in this area regularly.

Forum experience. Ask about GAO protests, Board of Contract Appeals cases, Court of Federal Claims litigation, and Texas Chapter 2260 claims, as relevant.

Agency knowledge. Practices differ by agency. Ask about experience with the agencies you sell to.

Right-sized firm. A large defense contractor and a small business pursuing set-asides need different support and budgets.

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 work is usually billed hourly. Bid protests move on short deadlines and are often handled with a retainer, and the cost depends on the forum, the record, and whether there is a hearing. Claims and appeals can run for months or years. Compliance counseling may be handled on a project or retainer basis. Ask for an estimate by phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a bid protest?

At GAO, a protest of an apparent defect in the solicitation must be filed before the proposal due date, and most other protests must be filed within 10 days after the protester knew or should have known the basis, with special timing for protests after a required debriefing (4 C.F.R. § 21.2). Missing the deadline usually ends the protest. Texas state protests follow the procuring agency’s rules and deadlines, so check the solicitation.

What happens if my company receives a DCAA audit notice?

Respond promptly. DCAA reviews cost accounting, billing, and compliance with contract terms. Involving counsel early helps manage document production, protect privileged material, and address findings before they become a claim, a fraud referral, or a dispute.

Can my company be debarred for a single compliance failure?

It is possible in serious cases, but debarring officials generally look at the seriousness of the conduct, whether there is a pattern, the company’s remedial measures, and whether it is presently responsible. Self-disclosure, cooperation, and corrective action often matter. Both federal and Texas state agencies can exclude contractors.

How do I get certified as a HUB in Texas?

The Comptroller’s program now operates as VetHUB and certifies businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. Women- and minority-owned businesses were removed from the program in December 2025, and that change is being litigated, with a trial set for November 9, 2026. Check the Comptroller’s VetHUB page for current eligibility before applying.

Can I sue a Texas state agency for breach of contract?

Not directly, and not automatically. Claims against state agencies must follow Government Code Chapter 2260, starting with written notice within 180 days after the event giving rise to the claim, then negotiation and, if needed, a contested case hearing. Those steps are required before a suit, but the chapter does not waive the state’s sovereign immunity (§ 2260.006), so any lawsuit needs a separate legal basis, such as legislative permission to sue.

Sources

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. 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.