Government Contractors Abroad

Andrew Irwin of our  Washington office has published an article for government contractors, "Special Compliance Considerations When Supporting the U.S. Government Abroad," in West’s Government Contract Briefing Papers series. This Briefing Paper explains US economic sanctions, other special purchasing requirements and preferences, and export controls, as well as anti-boycott and anti-bribery laws.

In the past decade contractors have become increasingly involved performing US government contracts overseas, starting with logistical support contracts in the Balkans and extending to current reconstruction and logistical support contracts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many companies not before involved in government contracting have sought to serve the US government—and explore new markets—as either prime contractors or subcontractors.

Government contracting abroad, however, presents risks as well as opportunities, as discussed in the briefing paper.