Steven A. Neeley provides practical solutions to complex commercial disputes. He digests complicated issues quickly and guides the dispute resolution process to achieve clients’ business objectives. Steve focuses his litigation and arbitration practice on government contracts, renewable energy, and construction projects.
He began his career litigating construction disputes on federal government projects, but clients quickly began looking to Steve for guidance on all of their government contracting needs. He now assists clients across the industry spectrum who contract with, or accept grants from, the federal government.
Steve has represented clients in bid protests and claims litigation at both the state and federal level in numerous jurisdictions across the country. He also has guided clients through numerous audits, internal investigations, and due diligence matters, as well as other contract compliance and administration issues.
In the renewable energy arena, Steve represents owners and developers of wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects with all of their project construction and operation issues. He has extensive experience in the preparation and pursuit of warranty claims, and has successfully litigated or settled disputes against several of the world’s top original equipment manufacturers and EPC contractors.
He also counsels owners and developers on corporate matters that affect day-to-day operations. Steve enjoys the challenge of viewing an issue from all vantage points to create a coherent case for clients.
Experience :
- Represented solar developers in various claims against EPC contractors and panel manufacturer for defective construction and low power production.
- Advised solar developer on various compliance issues arising under power purchase agreement with government agency for soon-to-be-constructed solar project.
- Advised wind energy developers in warranty disputes involving alleged blade and gearbox defects in wind turbines at facilities in California, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas.
- Represented wind energy developer in litigation against major balance of plant contractor and engineering firm.
- Successfully defended awardee in GAO bid protests seeking to overturn award of $480 million contract for interoperability testing and certification services with Defense Logistics Agency.
- Represented health IT contractor in connection with task order protest before GAO and then U.S. Court of Federal Claims under government-wide acquisition contract for markup and quality assurance of public access journal manuscripts for National Institutes of Health.
- Advised small aerospace company in connection with convenience termination of four subcontract purchase orders issued for modification of aircraft to perform flight testing for Navy’s Multi-Stage Supersonic Target Project.
- Advised private liberal arts university on several grant administration issues, including time and effort reporting, institutional base salary compliance, procurement standards and conflicts of interest policies.
- Represented independent K-12 school district in connection with performance and closeout of JobLink contract funded by federal grant.
From 2010-2013 and again in 2016-2017, Steve was a volunteer teacher at the Central American Resource Center. He taught U.S. history and civics to permanent residents preparing to take the U.S. citizenship exam.
Education :
- J.D., American University Washington College of Law
- B.A., College of William and Mary
Admissions :
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Columbia
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia
- District of Columbia
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
Professional Associations and Memberships :
- American Bar Association, Section of Public Contract Law; Forum on the Construction Industry
- Board of Contract Appeals Bar Association, Board of Governors
- District of Columbia Bar
- The Virginia Bar Association
Cost
Rate : $$$