Aaron Ralph

Aaron S. Ralph is an associate in Pillsbury’s Government Contracts & Disputes practice, where he counsels clients on a broad spectrum of government contract law. Aaron has helped defense, national security, information technology, health technology, construction, and logistics companies work with government agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and the Departments of Defense, Energy, and Veterans Affairs.

He has successfully challenged and defended contract award decisions at the Government Accountability Office, reviewed contractors’ internal controls to improve compliance with federal requirements, and helped clients avoid suspension and debarment, and conducted due diligence for clients contemplating mergers and acquisitions involving government contractors.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE :

• Won dismissal of government’s $1.2 million claim against government contractor alleging unallowable indirect costs and penalties.
• Successfully represented former Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at a technology company in proposed debarment matter with the General Services Agency.
• Represented client in a bid protest at the Court of Federal Claims involving the Department of Education’s $2.8 billion contract for debt collection services, obtaining injunctive relief and convincing the government to amend the solicitation and evaluate revised proposals.
• Represented government contractor in connection with dispute with government over patent rights.
• Has participated in a wide range of investigations, where he has analyzed issues as diverse as compliance with cybersecurity requirements and allegations of fraud.
• Has advised clients on complex technology transfer agreements and intellectual property issues in federal procurements, including the role of data rights and the Bayh-Dole Act.
• While stationed at the Pentagon, provided legal guidance on high-profile investigations involving intense congressional and media scrutiny.

EDUCATION :

• LL.M., Government Procurement Law, The George Washington University Law School, 2013
• J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 2004
• B.A., University of Redlands, 2001

ADMISSIONS : District of Columbia, California

COURTS :

• United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
• U.S. Court of Federal Claims
• United States District Court for the District of Columbia