Blank Rome partners Elizabeth N. Jochum, Luke W. Meier, and Justin A. Chiarodo will serve as panelists at Pub K Government Contracts Annual Review 2026, being held February 10 through 11, 2026, at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
ABOUT THEIR SESSIONS
Bid Protests
February 10 | 9:00–10:20 a.m.
This panel brings together leading practitioners to break down the most significant recent decisions and the trends shaping bid protest litigation today. This session goes beyond theory, focusing on what recent rulings actually mean for contractors, agencies, and in-house teams.
Panelists:
- Carla Weiss, Nichols Law
- Craig Holman, Arnold & Porter
- Elizabeth Jochum, Blank Rome LLP
- Noah Bleicher, Jenner & Block
- Tara Ward, McDermott Will & Schulte
False Claims Act
February 10 | 1:20–2:40 p.m.
Department of Justice (“DOJ”) investigations and qui tam whistleblower litigation under the False Claims Act (“FCA”) continue to present significant enforcement risks to government contractors under the current Administration. The panel will discuss the latest FCA enforcement trends and key policy and case law developments, including: DOJ’s FCA enforcement priorities, including its Civil Rights Fraud Initiative and other task forces; takeaways from key FCA cases and settlements in areas such as cybersecurity; the Eleventh Circuit’s consideration of a constitutional challenge to the qui tam statute; the materiality defense; and key considerations when resolving an FCA case. The panelists will also forecast FCA issues and trends to watch for in 2026.
Panelists:
- Alexander Canizares, Vinson & Elkins LLP
- Anne Robinson, Latham & Watkins LLP
- Kelly Buroker, Vedder Price LLP
- Luke Meier, Blank Rome LLP
- Nkechi Kanu, Crowell & Moring LLP
Ethics, Compliance & Disclosures
February 11 | 1:35–2:35 p.m.
This panel will discuss the fundamental principles underlying ethics, compliance, and disclosures, as well as ongoing and anticipated compliance and disclosure trends, including, ethics and compliance as a cultural concept; DOJ’s corporate compliance guidance; mandatory disclosure requirements under the FAR and Uniform Guidance; increasing state and federal fraud enforcement; and evolving importance of voluntary disclosures.
Panelists:
- Dismas Locaria, Venable LLP
- Justin Chiarodo, Blank Rome LLP
- Tamara Droubi, Vedder Price LLP
- Todd Gee, Husch Blackwell LLP
Blank Rome is pleased to be a Gold Sponsor of the event.
For more information and to register, please visit the event webpage
