Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Richard Arnholt authored an article discussing the recent rise in suspension and debarment actions and options available to contractors to challenge such actions. As cited in the article, “[b]etween fiscal year 2009 and FY 2013, the number of suspensions government wide increased from 417 to 887, proposed debarments increased from 750 to 2,229, and debarments increased from 669 to 1,696. The most recent figures, included in a March 31, 2015, report issued by the Interagency Suspension and Debarment Committee, show that dramatic uptick has continued, with 1,009 suspensions, 2,241 proposed debarments, and 1,929 debarments in FY 2014.”
Although challenging a suspension and debarment action is rare, Richard outlines three cases that were filed within the last six months. These challenges were brought by International Exports Inc., Legion Construction and International Relief and Development Inc.
The full article, “A Welcome Review of Suspension and Debarment Actions,” was published by Law360 on June 30 and is available online.