Tony Anikeeff is chair of the firm’s Government Contracts Practice. His practice encompasses counseling, investigations, litigation, trial and appellate work and training. He also is part of the firm’s white collar team handling civil False Claims Act, Suspensions & Debarments and related matters.
Visit Williams Mullen GovCon Perspectives, a blog dedicated to providing government contractors with the latest information on topics that impact the industry.
Tony Anikeeff is chair of the firm’s Government Contracts Practice. His practice encompasses counseling, investigations, litigation, trial and appellate work and training. He also is part of the firm’s white collar team handling civil False Claims Act, Suspensions & Debarments and related matters.
Tony represents domestic and foreign companies with respect to conducting business with the federal and state governments. He advises contractors, subcontractors and third-party stakeholders regarding many of the issues that arise in the context of these efforts, such as: obtaining contracts, schedule contracts, teaming and subcontracting, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), grants, mergers and acquisitions, set-asides and small business issues, financing, solicitation evaluation, contract interpretation, procurement integrity, employment, regulatory compliance and training, intellectual property protection, conflicts of interest, contract performance, security clearances, dispute avoidance and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). He also advises clients regarding aspects of export licensing and Foreign Military Sales (FMS).
Tony advises and represents clients involved in negotiations, bid protests, claims and terminations. A significant portion of his practice is devoted to representing clients in False Claims Act (FCA) and qui tam matters, suspension and debarment matters, government and internal investigations and associated voluntary and mandatory disclosures. He also has advised entities in developing compliance plans and training their employees.
Tony advises overseas entities in establishing a U.S. presence to do business with the U.S. Government. He has advised entities performing work for the armed forces overseas. He also advises and represents clients regarding proceedings before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), seeking Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designation or certification under the SAFETY Act and seeking facility security clearances.
Tony has represented clients in diverse sectors such as aerospace, air transportation and services, cybersecurity, energy, engineering, flight training, financial services, information technology, medical products and services, ground support equipment, manufacturing, military products, heavy industry, construction, security, human capital and various services industries. He has represented clients in matters involving the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Energy, Agriculture, Health and Human Services (HHS), Transportation and Interior as well as the National Air and Space Administration (NASA), the General Services Administration (GSA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other agencies. He also has represented clients before various state agencies.
Tony is a seasoned trial and appellate lawyer who has first-chaired numerous cases to conclusion. He has represented clients in matters before various federal and state courts, the Boards of Contract Appeal and the General Accountability Office (GAO). As appropriate, he advances client interests through litigation, trial, appeal and alternative methods of dispute resolution. In doing so, he draws upon experience representing the United States for over a decade in resolving complex, high-dollar contractual, statutory, regulatory and constitutional disputes, as well as Congressional Reference matters while serving as a trial attorney, senior trial counsel and assistant director in the civil division of the U.S. Department of Justice. He is a frequent speaker on government contracts and has testified as an expert witness on such matters.
Tony earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the College of William & Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law and his Master of Laws degree from the London School of Economic and Political Science.
Representative Transactional Matters
- Drafted, and negotiated, numerous uniform and standalone subcontract and teaming agreements: e.g., human capital and professional services consulting company; laboratory automation company, security services company; military equipment manufacturer; U.S. Army boat renovation project for international shipbuilding company; power generation equipment and related services for Defense Department overseas projects, for energy equipment supplied
- Negotiated CRADAs with federal agencies and research facilities regarding cybersecurity and medical product development projects.
- Drafted and negotiated architect and construction services contracts for quasi-government organization’s headquarters.
- Advised regarding interpretation, negotiation, performance, and compliance issues on numerous contracts, subcontracts, grants, CRADA’s, joint ventures, and other agreements.
- Drafted and negotiated numerous compliance and litigation settlement agreements.
Regulatory Matters
- Advised entities regarding Facility Security Clearances to perform classified contracts, including resolution of Foreign Ownership, Control, and Influence mitigation issues.
- Advised entities in seeking deal approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
- Advised entities seeking Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation / Certification.
- Advised entity in establishing corporate presence in Afghanistan to perform as government contracts subcontractor.
- Advised companies regarding numerous and varied regulatory compliance issues.
Representative Litigation Matters
A. Protests, Claims, Commercial Litigation
- Represented multiple entities in asserting or defending against bid protests at General Accountability Office, United States Court of Federal Claims, and United States Court of Appeals for Federal Circuit. E.g., fuel supply, IT integration and equipment, IT services, security services, engineering services, engineering consultants, aircraft ground support equipment manufacturer, laboratory integration services provider, and human capital resources provider.
- Used informal and formal bid protest methods to counter attempted exclusion of renewable energy producer industry from series of Defense Department and General Services Administration solicitations.
- Defended contract award to engineering services company in protest before District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority contract.
- Represented clients in state level bid protest matters in Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Texas.
- Represented various product, IT, services providers in asserting and litigating claims against United States on contracts such as security services, engineering services, consulting services, agricultural products, laboratory integration services, before US Court of Federal Claims and Boards of Contract Appeals.
- Represented companies in various commercial litigation matters associated with contracts work, before federal and state courts. E.g., breach of contract, unfair business practices, breach of teaming and non-disclosure agreements, theft of trade secrets, defamation, fraud, fraudulent concealment, conspiracy.
- Weidemann Associates v. CFTC, GSBCA. Contract and attorney fee claim for consulting contractor on contract with U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Corporation.
- McDonnell Douglas Corporation and General Dynamics Corp. v. United States, (A-12 Litigation). Lead trial counsel for United States in initial liability trials of $2.3 billion default termination.
- Granite Construction Co. v. United States. Lead trial counsel for United States on multi-million dollar claim arising from dam tunnel bypass construction contract.
- Lead trial counsel on defense of multi-million dollar contractor claims regarding construction of U.S. Force Command Center.
- Lead counsel on defense of superior knowledge claim on dredging contract.
- Lead trial counsel on contractor delay and disruption claims regarding construction of hotel facility.
B. False Claims Act, Suspension / Debarment, Internal Investigations
- Defense of False Claims Act investigations for (i) advanced technologies research and engineering firm, (ii) military equipment supplier, (iii) government health care provider.
- Defense of False Claims Act investigation associated with qui tam matter for (1) firearms manufacturer, (ii) public health research provider.
- Defense of criminal and civil False Claims Act investigation, as well as follow-on debarment proceeding, for environmental consulting entity.
- Defense of False Claims Act investigation, as well as follow-on debarment proceeding for international food and grocery products exporter and affiliate entities and persons.
- Defense of False Claims Act qui tam matters involving: (i) Defense Department language services provider and (ii) Defense Department and civilian agency security services provider.
- Defended clients in federal Suspension & Debarment proceedings: E.g., (i) aircraft ground support equipment manufacturer accused of furnishing defective equipment; (ii) international aide firm accused on improper accounting practices; (iii) international fabrics supplier whose president was convicted of making improper gratuities; (iv) security services provider accused of invoicing and training irregularities; (v) custom machining provider for delivery of non-conforming parts; and (vi) former U.S. Navy Admiral accused of trading official actions for gratuities.
- Advised lead counsel regarding defense of qui tam matters for: (i) commercial container manufacturer, (ii) construction contractor, and (iii) medical services provider.
- Conducted multiple internal investigations for major defense contractor.
- Defense of clients alleged to have violated Social Security fraudulent mailing statute.
C. Congressional Reference Matter
- Spalding Brothers v. United States. Lead defense counsel and co-counsel on appeal where contractor sought extraordinary Congressional relief involving alleged contract breach in sale of timber.
Compliance Matters
- Developed government contracts manuals, codes of ethics and business conduct, and compliance procedures with associated training for multiple entities.
Expert Witness
- United States v. David Safavian, Cr. No. 05-0370, D.C. D.C. Testified as expert regarding principles of government contracting process.
-
11.30.2022
65 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 2022
-
05.03.2022
Williams Mullen Represents McNulty & Associates in Sale
-
02.04.2022
USDOJ Announces $5.6 Billion in False Claims Act Recoveries: What the Increased Emphasis on FCA Cases Means for Your Business
-
12.07.2021
Firm Represents DroneUp in Acquisition of AirMap LLC
-
12.01.2021
UPDATE - Status of Implementation of the Federal COVID-19 Vaccine Workplace Rules
-
11.09.2021
Understanding and Implementing OSHA COVID-19 Vaccination Regulations (FAQs Included)
-
10.12.2021
The FAR and DFARS Deviation Clauses Directing COVID Vaccine and Other Protocols for Government Contractors: So, What Do They Mean For My Business?
-
09.10.2021
Executive Orders To Mandate COVID Vaccines Across Federal and Government Contractor Workforce as Part of President’s Sweeping Pandemic Plan
-
08.16.2021
Williams Mullen Makes a Move in Tysons
-
05.06.2020
The SBA’s Evolving Guidance on PPP Loan
-
04.29.2020
Paycheck Protection Program: After the Pay Comes the Chase
-
04.06.2020
Strings Attached: Preparing for and Mitigating Risk Associated with COVID-19 Stimulus
-
03.30.2020
CFIUS Requirements Expanded Under New Regulations; President Orders Yet Another CFIUS Divestiture
-
03.26.2020
Federal DHS & DOD Guidance Regarding "Essential Businesses" That Are or May Be Expected to Continue Operations Under State Shutdown Orders
-
09.05.2019
PODCAST: Challenging Negative CPARS Reports – Protecting Contractor Reputation Through CPARS Challenges
-
08.23.2019
PODCAST: Should We Seek to Participate in an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA)?
-
07.26.2019
PODCAST: ITAR – Requirements for Government Contractors
-
02.12.2019
Illinois Supreme Court Advances Individual’s Right to Relief from Misuse of Personal Information
-
01.24.2019
PODCAST: Should We Call the Debarment Official or Wait?
-
01.14.2019
Tony Anikeeff Interviewed by The Hill About How Shutdown Affects Government Contractors
-
01.03.2019
PODCAST: 10 Factors That May Hinder a Contractor’s Ability to Repay Its Bank Loans and Threaten Its Existence
-
12.26.2018
Congress' Holiday Gift To Small Businesses - Two Years
-
12.21.2018
PODCAST: Effective Use of “Open and Frank” Discussions in Bid Protests
-
06.14.2018
PODCAST: Trends in Government Contracts Financing
-
06.12.2018
PODCAST: What Government Contractors Need to Know About State and Local Taxes
-
06.12.2018
Williams Mullen On Call - May 2018
-
05.22.2018
Risky Business of the False Claims Act: A Business Person’s Guide
-
05.10.2018
PODCAST: Navigating the Mandatory Disclosure Rules
-
04.23.2018
Tony Anikeeff Discusses Lance Armstrong's Civil Fraud Settlement with USA Today
-
04.11.2018
PODCAST: Making Effective Use of the Claims/Disputes Process
-
03.27.2018
PODCAST: What To Do When the OFCCP Comes Knocking
-
02.13.2018
PODCAST: Facility Security Clearances for U.S. Subsidiaries of Foreign-Owned Companies
-
02.09.2018
Risky Business of the False Claims Act, Part II – What Your Business Needs to Know About the FCA & How You Might Encounter It
-
01.22.2018
Tony Anikeeff and Bob Korroch Discuss Impact of Government Shutdown on Contractors with Federal Times
-
12.15.2017
The DOJ’s Revised FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy: A New Blueprint for Corporate Cooperation and Credit
-
12.14.2017
PODCAST: Negotiating Subcontracts from Both Sides
-
11.28.2017
PODCAST: Going to the Court of Federal Claims or the Boards of Contract Appeal
-
11.15.2017
PODCAST: Suspension and Debarment
-
11.09.2017
December 31 Deadline Approaching for Contractors Who Handle Export-Controlled Technical Information
-
11.01.2017
PODCAST: Federal Cybersecurity Requirements
-
10.26.2017
Williams Mullen Launches GovCon Perspectives Podcast
-
10.26.2017
Williams Mullen Launches GovCon Perspectives Podcast
-
10.19.2017
PODCAST: How to Assess the Likelihood of Success in Deciding Whether to Bring a Bid Protest
-
09.08.2017
Tony Anikeeff Interviewed by USA TODAY About Delay of Lance Armstrong's False Claims Act Trial
-
07.05.2017
Tony Anikeeff Discusses Recent Developments in Lance Armstrong Civil Fraud Case with USA TODAY
-
05.19.2017
Global Cyber Attack Highlights Need for President Trump’s Executive Order
-
05.18.2017
Bills to Help Small Businesses Prepare for Cyber Attacks Working Way Through Congress
-
01.25.2017
Tony Anikeeff Talks False Claims Act and Healthcare with Legal Newsline
-
12.20.2016
U.S. Department of Justice Recovered More Than $4.7 Billion From Civil False Claims Act Cases in 2016
-
08.08.2016
Tony Anikeeff Quoted in Bloomberg BNA's Federal Contracts Report
-
07.06.2016
Risk and Uncertainty for Health Care Providers and Government Contractors in the Wake of Universal Health Services v. Escobar
-
04.29.2016
Tony Anikeeff Quoted in USA Today about Latest Lance Armstrong Development
-
03.08.2016
Tony Anikeeff Quoted in USA Today about Lance Armstrong's Civil Fraud Lawsuit
-
09.04.2015
Tony Anikeeff Quoted in USA Today About Lance Armstrong Case
-
07.08.2015
Tony Anikeeff discusses OPM system shutdown in the Washington Examiner
-
06.02.2015
Supreme Court Reins In Qui Tam FCA Limitations But Allows Revival of Cases Initially Barred Under First-To-File Rule, Kellogg Brown & Root Services, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Carter, No. 12-1497
-
01.13.2015
The Guards Who Couldn’t Shoot Straight: Fourth Circuit Endorses “Implied Certification” Theory Under False Claims Act
-
10.20.2014
The American Lawyer mentions Williams Mullen's UAS practice
-
07.18.2014
Tony Anikeeff discusses the Lance Armstrong FCA case with USA TODAY
-
03.12.2014
Special Due Diligence Concerns When Buying Unmanned Aircraft Systems
-
10.16.2013
Government Contractor Employment and Contract Issues Arising from the Government Shutdown
-
09.25.2013
Tony Anikeeff quoted in USA Today about the United States v. Lance Armstrong False Claims Act suit
-
02.26.2013
Tony Anikeeff Quoted in Law360 and USA Today
-
09.15.2022
Anikeeff Serves as Faculty Member at National Institute of Trial Advocacy Program
-
04.22.2022
Anikeeff Serves as Panelist for Annual Government Contracts Conference
-
04.22.2021
Effective Teaming Agreements & Maximizing Use Of Mentor Protege Program
-
04.12.2021
Strategically Using the SBA’s Mentor-Protege Program
-
04.09.2021
GovCon “Live” Q&A Café
-
11.09.2020
Bid Protest Strategy - Winning is Knowing Where to Focus
-
11.09.2020
PPP & Loan Necessity
-
10.07.2020
Federal Supply Schedule Contracting - Gateway to GSA Federal Supply Schedules
-
04.23.2020
M&A Webinar Series - M&A Considerations in Government Contracts Transactions
-
04.15.2020
Creating A Sound Legal Teaming Agreement
-
03.27.2020
COVID-19 And The Federal Government Contracting Impact
-
10.23.2019
Legal Playbook for Teaming Agreements
-
10.23.2019
Teaming Agreements vs. Sub-Contracting