Public Contracting
SSE&C has extensive experience in representing public sector clients such as boards of education, municipalities and public authorities in all phases of public contracting and bidding for construction contracts, commercial goods and services contracts, professional services contracts, contract negotiations, requests for proposals and technology licensing. Our attorneys are available to assist our clients at any stage of the procurement process from the development of specifications and the preparation of requests for proposals through project implementation, monitoring and close-out. We work with clients on construction projects from construction concept and pre-referendum through final completion of the project. Among the services the firm provides are:
- Assisting clients in identifying their needs in order to develop a scope of work
- Preparing the invitation for bids and proposed contract documents
- Negotiating contracts between clients and service providers such as architects, construction managers, food service vendors, educational service providers and financial institutions
- Reviewing legal aspects of bid specifications/advertisements and recommending revisions to protect the client’s interests and to suit the client’s particular needs, thus minimizing potential problems, and ensuring compliance with public bidding requirements
- Reviewing proposed contracts prior to advertisement and revising them to incorporate essential terms
- Advising clients during the bidding process and handling any legal challenges which may arise
- Advising clients regarding issues relating to determination of lowest responsible bidder and contract award
- Advising clients at contract execution and reviewing compliance with requirements for insurance certificates, bonds and other required documents
- Advising clients during contract implementation process regarding contract compliance and enforcement, and working with technical representatives to resolve conflicts and prevent delay
- Handling litigation arising during all phases of the contract implementation process, from bid protests through defaulting contractors
- Negotiating takeover agreements with the bond companies of defaulting contractors
- Monitoring issues that might arise during warranty period