In the current economic climate, one of the few reliable sources of business and funding is the federal government. Whether companies are looking to increase their government contracting or access to grant funds, understand the requirements of their contracts and grants, contemplate filing a claim or protest, or are planning to undertake their first foray into the world of federal funding, there are developments and useful practice pointers of which they should be kept apprised. Compliance with federal laws and regulations can be daunting and is often filled with unexpected sources of liability and risk. Reed Smith's Global Regulatory Enforcement Group has designed a series of teleseminars to highlight some of the key changes in the legal landscape of federal contracts and grants and international trade. Our goal is to provide our clients and guests with the opportunity to gather "up-to-the-minute" information and guidance on topics of particular importance.

Our second teleseminar will take place Wednesday, April 22, 11 a.m. (EDT), and will focus on "U.S. Government Contracts – Opportunities and Challenges, or 2 Trillion Reasons to Learn More About U.S. Government Contracts." This program is designed to introduce companies in all industries to the opportunities and challenges related to contracting with the U.S. Government. While legal in nature, it would be appropriate for company "c-level" executives, project managers, marketing and capture staff, and compliance officers.

This session will cover:

• Opportunities for contracting with the U.S. Government, including Stimulus spending
• Contract vehicles and procedures
• Contract compliance and pitfalls
• Ancillary international regulatory issues

Our speaker, Jason P. Matechak is a partner in Reed Smith's Washington, DC office and a member of the Global Regulatory Enforcement Group. Jason's practice involves two main areas: Public Procurement/Government Contracts and International Regulations/Transactions. His Public Procurement/Government Contracts practice includes client counseling regarding competition matters, bid protests, contract claims and disputes, grants and cooperative agreements, False Claims Act, internal investigations, national content requirements (Buy American/Trade Agreements), voluntary disclosures, general contract compliance, teaming relationships, commercial item acquisitions, specialized USAID, World Bank, and international development programs, and training and technical assistance regarding international procurement matters.

Our speaker, Peter A. Teare is a partner in Reed Smith's London office and a member of the European & Middle East Corporate Group. Peter has many years of experience advising U.S. companies doing business within the integrated European marketplace. Peter regularly assists clients in understanding and managing the differences in business law practice between the United States and Europe, and in avoiding the misunderstandings and traps commonly encountered in cross-border transactions. He has extensive experience in developing and implementing global compliance programs.

To RSVP for this teleseminar, please contact Anna Kazachkov by Tuesday, April 21.