Justin A. Chiarodo, Dominique L. Casimir, and Robyn N. Burrows
In late 2023, we were very happy to announce that Blank Rome Government Contracts associate Robyn N. Burrows was elevated to partner in our Government Contracts practice in Washington, D.C., effective January 2024.
Robyn is a key member of our practice group who represents clients on a wide range of government contracts matters. She has experience preparing and negotiating complex claims and has litigated disputes before the boards of contract appeal and state and federal courts. Robyn has a particular focus on emerging supply chain and cybersecurity issues and has counseled numerous clients on Section 889 compliance. She also provides counseling on cost/pricing issues, domestic preferences, protection of contractor data and intellectual property, and suspension and debarment matters. She has experience navigating clients through False Claims Act investigations and regularly assists clients in high-value bid protests before the Government Accountability Office and U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Robyn has also developed particular experience with Department of Energy (“DOE”) contracts, and has handled matters involving whistleblower complaints, civil investigative demands, subcontractor disputes, cost-allowability issues, and other unique DOE requirements applying to management and operating (“M&O”) contractors.
Robyn is a member of the Public Contract Law Section of the American Bar Association, where she is Vice-Chair – Contract Claims & Disputes Committee, Vice-Chair – Cybersecurity, Privacy and Emerging Technology Committee, and has served as the Associate Editor for the section’s quarterly journal, The Procurement Lawyer, since 2021. Robyn also serves on the Washington, D.C. Bar Government Contracts Steering Committee.
Before joining Blank Rome, Robyn represented construction clients in federal contracting matters. During law school, she was a research editor for the George Mason Law Review. She interned with the Honorable R. Terrence Ney of the Fairfax County Circuit Court, and with the administrative judges at the Office of Hearings and Appeals of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
We took some time to chat with Robyn to see how she is settling into her new position, and to learn more about her, including what she enjoys doing outside of work!
Congratulations again on the promotion! You have built a robust practice over many years. What first interested you in government contracts law?
Thank you! I’m thrilled and honored to join the partnership and to continue supporting clients in this new role. I was first introduced to government contracts during my time as a litigator handling construction defect cases and prime-subcontractor disputes. My favorite part of the job was helping clients navigate disputes on federal projects. The rules and strategies when negotiating with federal agencies are completely different from the commercial contracting world. Those early experiences inspired to me to learn the ins and outs of federal procurement law and eventually to focus my practice on government contracting.
What do you enjoy most about your practice area?
I enjoy the wide range of work we do. One day I might be taking a deposition, and the next day I might be drafting a bid protest or advising a client on complying with cybersecurity regulations. This practice area provides opportunities to develop competencies in many areas.
You have developed significant experience in the area of DOE contracts, among other things; how did you first get interested in this niche topic?
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to represent an M&O contractor in a prime-subcontractor dispute, which piqued my interest in the DOE contracting world. DOE is the largest federal civilian contracting agency and has unique relationships with the M&O contractors who carry out high-risk and complex missions. I’ve represented M&O contractors in whistleblower suits, fraud investigations, and bid protests—it’s fascinating and rewarding work. I’ve also supported M&O contractors engaged in critical work such as managing nuclear waste disposal and conducting cutting edge energy and science research. Understanding the DOE landscape in which M&O contractors operate is a huge advantage when providing strategic advice concerning the challenging issues our clients face.
What do you see as major challenges government contractors should be mindful of heading into 2024?
Contractors should expect to see more enforcement, fraud investigations, and litigation alleging inadequate cyber controls and supply chain non-compliance. We’re moving from an age of self-attestation with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement cybersecurity requirements to the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework, which will bring greater scrutiny of contractors’ cybersecurity compliance and any potential data breaches. Similarly, we’re seeing more supply chain bans like Section 889 that require contractors to certify that they have not used prohibited products and services. A finding of non-compliance could potentially expose a contractor to liability under the False Claims Act.
How would you describe your client service philosophy?
Communication is key. It’s important to me that clients clearly understand the strengths and weaknesses of the matter, our strategy, and the next steps in the case. I also want to make sure I understand each client’s goals and business challenges so that I can tailor my strategy to get the right result.
What advice do you have for more junior attorneys in the field?
Be invested in every case you’re on. Think about how your assignment fits into the bigger picture and understand the strategy the team is pursuing. Know the key facts and documents, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and make suggestions—it’s the best way to learn.
Okay, now on to more serious subjects: How do you spend your time outside the office?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two hounds, Billie and Dylan. Billie has developed a friendship with the neighborhood fox, and Dylan keeps us on his toes with his frequent counter-surfing (despite their short legs, basset hounds have a miraculous ability to reach anything on the counter…).