The federal procurement landscape continues to present new challenges and opportunities for government contractors. Changes in acquisition policy, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, shifting enforcement priorities, and new contractor responsibilities are creating new compliance considerations for companies doing business with the federal government.
Staying ahead of these developments is essential. Effective compliance programs help organizations identify and manage risk, support their employees, and maintain the trust that is fundamental to successful partnerships with Federal customers. To support the contracting community in navigating these challenges, the Coalition is pleased to launch Invest in Success: Coalition Compliance Training Conference, the first in a new series focused on compliance in the Federal marketplace.
The inaugural conference will take place on the morning of October 7 at CGI Federal in Arlington, Virginia, with virtual attendance also available. The event will bring together government, industry, and legal experts to provide practical insights into some of the most important compliance issues facing government contractors today.
Compliance in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the way both government and industry operate, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency and performance. At the same time, its growing use raises important questions about ethics, oversight, accountability, and compliance.
Jessica Tillipman, Associate Dean for Government Procurement Law Studies at The George Washington University Law School, will deliver the conference keynote, “Procurement in the Age of AI: Ethics & Compliance in a Changing Federal Marketplace.”
Jessica will examine emerging AI-related risks across the procurement lifecycle and supply chain, including organizational conflicts of interest, AI-enabled fraud and False Claims Act exposure, algorithmic collusion, system manipulation, and over-reliance on automated judgment. The session also will address practical considerations for contractors as AI becomes increasingly integrated into their organizations, subcontractors, and Federal procurement activities.
Strengthening Compliance Through Active Bystandership
Policies and procedures are important components of an effective compliance program, but an organization’s employees also play an important role in identifying and addressing potential issues before they become larger problems.
During “Active Bystandership: The Missing Link in Corporate Risk Reduction,” Jonathan Aronie, Partner at Sheppard, will introduce attendees to an approach designed to give employees the skills and confidence to intervene when they see a colleague moving toward a potential compliance issue.
Active Bystandership has already been applied in high-stakes environments including aviation, healthcare, law enforcement, and the military. The session will explore how government contractors can apply these principles to strengthen organizational culture and reduce compliance risk.
Perspectives on the Civil False Claims Act
Of course, any discussion of contractor compliance must include the Civil False Claims Act, which remains one of the most significant enforcement considerations for companies participating in the federal market.
Chris Terranova, Assistant Director, Civil Fraud Section, Commercial Litigation Branch, Department of Justice; Alex Canizares, Partner at Vinson & Elkins; Terra Fulham, Special Counsel at Covington; and Tirzah Lollar, Partner at Arnold & Porter, will provide perspectives on the False Claims Act and key compliance considerations for government contractors.
The discussion will provide attendees with an opportunity to hear perspectives from both government and the private sector on an area that continues to be critically important to the contracting community.
The Value of Compliance
Ultimately, compliance is an investment into an organization’s people, its reputation, its relationships with federal customers, and its ability to compete successfully in the government market. Our goal is to provide members of the procurement community with practical information and perspectives that they can take back to their organizations and put to use.
The October 7 conference also will provide an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the procurement community. Those joining us in person at CGI Federal will have the added benefit of networking with fellow compliance, contracts, and legal professionals, as well as speakers and other leaders from government and industry.
We encourage members to share this important event with the professionals across their organizations responsible for contracts, compliance, ethics, legal risk, and Federal contracting requirements. We look forward to seeing you on October 7!