"Me thinks thou dost protest too Much!" - A Guide to Effective Protest Management

Presented by:
National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

Course Objectives:
This course will view specification and award protests from the perspective of both vendors and purchasing staff. It will discuss ways to avoid pitfalls that could lead to protests and undermine contract awards. It will identify the types of protests that can be viable and help identify protest issues that are counter-productive. In the end, it will help vendors be better equipped to make practical decisions regarding when and on what basis to protest. The course will also help procurement officials avoid protests through proper specification drafting and process management. Finally, the course will address the practical aspects of presenting and responding to protests.

Speakers:
Melissa J. Copeland is a partner at Williams Mullen. She focuses her practice on state and local government contracts and business litigation matters. Ms. Copeland has extensive experience advising on state and local government contracts, having handled matters dealing with the law of nearly all states as well as Puerto Rico. Ms. Copeland has represented clients across the country before administrative tribunals, state and federal courts, and in arbitration proceedings.

John E. Schmidt is a partner at Williams Mullen. He focuses his practice on state and local government contracts, litigation and administrative law. Mr. Schmidt's experience includes advice and representation of clients before administrative tribunals, government agencies, state and federal courts and in mediations and arbitrations. He has handled state and local government contracts matters in over 40 states addressing a wide variety of goods, services and industries; including computer systems implementation, insurance, construction, food services, chemicals, document management, health care and others. Mr. Schmidt has extensive experience in developing creative strategies and solutions to help clients meet their goals in government contracting at the state and local level. He is a certified mediator and a frequent lecturer on government contracts and other issues.