Paul Debolt assists companies and individuals on all issues that arise from doing business with the federal government, including civil fraud. He is experienced in the competitive source selection process, defending or prosecuting bid protests, issuing advice concerning compliance with government regulations and laws during the performance of a contract, and helping to resolve disputes and claims during contract performance or as a result of contract termination. Mr. Debolt also has significant experience with due diligence in connection with the merger and acquisition of government contractors, as well as post-transaction matters such as novations. He counsels clients on the Service Contract Act, the Civil False Claims Act, joint ventures and teaming agreements, prime-subcontractor disputes and internal investigations.

Mr. Debolt has extensive government contracts law experience and applies a team approach which ensures that clients receive the benefit of firm-wide strength in all related areas.

Representative Clients

Mr. Debolt supports Venable’s large and small government contracts clients including major systems manufacturers, providers of information technology and other service providers.

Significant Matters

Recently, Mr. Debolt has conducted a number of internal investigations of both large and small companies involving questioned contract certifications and cost charging. Mr. Debolt has also represented a number of clients with claims and intellectual property disputes before the Court of Federal Claims, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and various federal district courts. Reported decisions include:

Honeywell Int’l Inc. v. U.S., 81 Fed. Cl. 514 (2008) (COFC held claim 2 of patent invalid)

Honeywell Int’l Inc. v. U.S., 70 Fed. Cl. 424 (2006) (COFC held claims 1 and 3 of patent were not infringed)

Northrop Grumman Corporation; ITT Gilfillan, B-274204, B-274204.2, B-274204.3, B-274204.4, B-274204.5, B-274204.6, B-274202.7, 96-2 CPD P 232

Valentec Systems Inc., B-270880, B-270880.2, 96-1 CPD P 231

Matter of National Linen Service, 73 Comp. Gen. 265, B-257112, B-257312, 94-2 CPD P 94

Sun Microsystems v. United States, July 9, 1996, GSBCA No. 13615-P, 96-2 BCA ¶ 28546

Pioneer Aerospace Corporation, B-245911, 92-1 CPD P 13

Kings Point Industries, Inc., B-244398, 91-2 CPD P 331

Other representative matters include:

• For a small business, Mr. Debolt made a successful presentation to AUSA’s office that resulted in a decision by government not to pursue a civil false claim with an estimated value of over $400,000.
• On behalf of a large defense contractor, Mr. Debolt negotiated a multi-million dollar settlement for claims arising from charges to a contract with the United States Postal Service for coding services.
• On behalf of a service company, he negotiated a multi-million settlement of a claim arising from an undefinitized letter contract.
• Mr. Debolt conducted an internal investigation for a non-profit into alleged mischarging to numerous government contracts and grants, and successfully negotiated a favorable settlement with an AUSA.

Activities

Mr. Debolt regularly participates in the firm’s pro bono activities.