Best Government Contract Lawyers in Aurora

1. About Government Contract Law in Aurora, United States

Government contract law governs how governments award, manage, and enforce contracts for goods and services. In Aurora, Colorado, this area involves both state level procurement rules and city level purchasing policies. Federal contracts may apply when projects involve federal funds or oversight.

Aurora relies on the Colorado Public Procurement Code and local city regulations to govern bidding, awards, and contract administration. Federal contracts, when present, follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation or FAR rules. As a result, you may need to navigate multiple layers of law depending on the project funding and scope.

For federal contracts, the Federal Acquisition Regulation provides the framework for bids, negotiations, and contract performance. See FAR guidance on Acquisition.gov for authoritative rules and updates.

“The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) governs the negotiation, award, and administration of most federal contracts.” Acquisition.gov

Colorado procurement law is anchored in the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 24, which covers public contracts. The Colorado General Assembly hosts the statutory text and updates for public procurements at their official site. This code sets the statewide baseline for how cities like Aurora conduct procurements.

“Colorado's Public Contracts law governs the procurement of goods and services by state and local government agencies.” Colorado General Assembly

Local rules for Aurora are found in the Aurora City Code and related purchasing policies. The City Code, accessible through the Municode repository, outlines how Aurora conducts bids, evaluations, debriefings, and contract administration at the municipal level. This is your direct source for Aurora's local procurement requirements.

“Aurora City Code - Purchasing and Public Works regulations (local procurement rules).” Aurora City Code on Municode

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Aurora awarded a city contract to a competitor and you suspect evaluation scoring errors or undisclosed criteria. A government contract attorney can assess a potential bid protest under Colorado and Aurora procurement rules and help you pursue the appropriate remedy, such as corrective actions or a new bidding round.

• You are a subcontractor on a federally funded project in Aurora and face disputes over pay applications, retainage, or scope changes. Legal counsel can help you file claims and navigate the prime contractor’s performance obligations and government oversight requirements.

• A change order increases costs beyond the original contract price. An attorney can review the contract’s Changes clause, assess improprieties, and pursue appropriate remedies such as price adjustments or dispute resolution.

• You face a termination for convenience or default on a government contract. A lawyer can analyze the termination provisions, mitigation duty, and potential damages or re-bid strategies under state and federal rules.

• You receive a government audit or inquiry about compliance with contract terms, including billing, cost accounting, or sub-subcontracting flow-downs. Legal counsel can prepare defense strategies and relevant disclosures to agencies.

Note: these scenarios reflect common situations in Aurora where timely legal guidance helps protect rights and maximize chances for a favorable outcome. An experienced government contract attorney can tailor advice to your specific funding source, contract type, and agency rules.

3. Local Laws Overview

• Colorado Procurement Code (CRS Title 24) governs public contracts for state and local entities, including procurement processes, bidding, and contract administration. This code provides a statewide framework that Aurora follows in its city purchases.

• Aurora City Code - Purchasing outlines local procurement policies, bid rules, debriefings, and contract management for municipal projects. It is accessible through the Municode repository for the City of Aurora.

• Federal requirements for federally funded projects apply when a project receives federal funds, including compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act and Buy American provisions in appropriate circumstances. Federal contracts are governed by the FAR.

Recent trends in Colorado procurement include expanding electronic bidding and improving transparency in awards. Local jurisdictions like Aurora increasingly rely on online portals to receive bids and publish notices. For accurate, up-to-date information, consult the Colorado Procurement Code and the Aurora Code directly.

“Public procurement modernization includes electronic bidding and open data on procurement awards.” Colorado General Assembly

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bid protest and when should I file it?

A bid protest challenges an award decision or procurement process. File promptly after learning of the decision and ensure you follow the agency’s protest procedures and deadlines.

What is the difference between an attorney and a legal counsel in Colorado government contracts?

Both terms refer to licensed lawyers, but “attorney” is the common US term. “Legal counsel” highlights advisory roles in planning, negotiations, and risk assessment.

How long does a typical bid protest take in Aurora?

Timeline varies by agency and complexity. Administrative protests may resolve in weeks, while court challenges can take several months to a year.

Do I need to be a local vendor to bid on Aurora contracts?

No, but local preferences or set-asides may apply to certain opportunities. A local attorney can help you understand eligibility and compliance requirements.

Can I challenge a termination for default on a government contract?

Yes, you can contest a default termination. You should gather performance records, notices, and communications to support a defense or settlement negotiation.

What costs should I expect when hiring a government contract attorney?

Costs depend on complexity and hourly rates. Expect retainer arrangements, hourly billing, and possible fixed-fee options for specific tasks.

Is Colorado procurement law different for city contracts versus state contracts?

Core principles apply across government levels, but procedures, deadlines, and oversight may differ between state and city agencies.

How do I obtain a debriefing after an Aurora bid decision?

Request a debriefing per the winning bid notice. A structured debriefing helps you understand evaluation criteria and errors for future bids.

Should I hire a local Aurora firm or a national firm for government contracts?

Both can provide value. Local firms understand Aurora rules and contacts, while national firms may offer broader federal experience.

Do I need special licenses or certifications to bid on construction contracts in Aurora?

Some opportunities require licenses or surety bonds. Check the contract and local requirements early in the bidding process.

What is the difference between a prime contract and a sub-contract in government work?

A prime contract is awarded directly to your company; a sub-contract is awarded by a prime contractor under the same government contract terms.

Can I access public records of procurement decisions in Aurora?

Public records laws generally provide access to procurement notices and award decisions, subject to exceptions for confidential information.

5. Additional Resources

• Acquisition.gov - Official source for the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and federal procurement guidance. FAR on Acquisition.gov
• Colorado Revised Statutes Title 24 - Colorado’s Public Contracts framework used by state and local governments, including Aurora. Colorado General Assembly
• Aurora City Code - Purchasing - Local procurement rules for the City of Aurora, available via Municode. Aurora City Code on Municode

6. Next Steps

1. Identify the exact funding source and contracting authority for your project in Aurora. Confirm whether the contract is state, local, or federal and collect all notices and bid documents. This helps determine the applicable rules and deadlines.
2. Assemble your contract files, including the invitation to bid, bid submission, evaluation criteria, scoring worksheets, and communications with the agency. A complete file supports a strong legal strategy.
3. Consult a government contract attorney to assess potential remedies such as bid protests, contract claims, or dispute resolution. Schedule an initial intake to discuss your facts and objectives.
4. Obtain a clear timeline from your attorney for any protests, debriefings, or negotiations. Expect timelines to vary by agency and funding source, typically ranging from weeks to months.
5. Develop a strategy for next steps based on the agency response and potential remedies. Your plan should consider practical outcomes, costs, and the likelihood of success.
6. Initiate any required administrative procedures or legal actions with the guidance of your attorney. This may include filing protest notices or pursuing alternative dispute resolution.
7. Monitor the project and stay compliant with all contract terms during and after any dispute resolution. Maintain organized records to support ongoing proceedings or future bids.