Federal Government Contract Audits: Mitigating Risks

Preparing for and Managing Complex DCAA and GSA Audits

Recording of a 90-minute CLE webinar with Q&A

Conducted on Thursday, August 25, 2011

Recorded event now available

or call 1-800-926-7926
Program Materials

This CLE webinar will provide guidance for counsel to companies engaged in federal government contracts on best practices for preparing for and managing government contract audits. The panel will also discuss the latest trends and developments in the audits.


The federal government spends billions of dollars annually contracting with commercial suppliers and service providers for the purchase of goods and services. Federal government contracting involves unique financial, operational and contractual risks and ongoing government scrutiny.

The federal Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and agency Inspector Generals, like the General Services Administration Inspector General (GSA IG), conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with contracting rules.

Adverse audit findings can result in fines, debarment and False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuits. By carefully preparing for audits, including understanding areas of emphasis and developing effective recordkeeping practices, contractors can minimize negative audit findings and avoid FCA violations.

Listen as our panel of government contracts attorneys discusses the latest trends and developments in government contractor audits and provides best practices for preparing for and managing audits and mitigating risk.



  1. Areas targeted for audit
    1. DCAA Audits
      1. Fraud investigations
      2. Pre-negotiation audits of proposed costs
      3. Incurred cost audits
      4. Defective pricing audits
      5. CAS compliance audits
      6. Operations audits
    2. GSA Audits
      1. Commercial sales practices (CSP) disclosures
      2. Price reductions clause (PRC)
      3. Trade Agreements Act (TAA)
      4. Unapproved item sales
      5. Employee qualifications
  2. Preparing for and managing audits
    1. Contractor and government rights during audit process
    2. Recordkeeping and document production
    3. Written policy and procedure
    4. Employee interviews
    5. Responding to audit findings
    6. Resolving audit disputes


The panel will review these and other key questions:

  • What areas are currently being targeted for DCAA and GSA audits?
  • What are some best practices for preparing for and surviving a government contract audit?
  • How can contractors and their counsel ensure compliance with the various relevant regulatory and contractual requirements and minimize legal risks?



J. Catherine Kunz
J. Catherine Kunz

Crowell & Moring

Ms. Kunz's practice involves both counseling and litigating on behalf of clients in a range of government contract...  |  Read More

Nicole M. Mitchell, CPA
Nicole M. Mitchell, CPA


Shes pecializes in accounting and financial issues impacting government contractors. She has a broad-based background...  |  Read More

Patricia A. Meagher
Patricia A. Meagher

Rogers Joseph O'Donnell

She concentrates in the areas of government contracts, litigation and construction law. Her practice includes...  |  Read More

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