Tara D. Hopkins

Tara has significant experience representing contractors in bid protests and related administrative proceedings before the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims acting for both protestors and intervenors. She handles pre‑award and post‑award challenges, with a focus on achieving clients’ desired outcomes, whether securing contract awards, defending awards under protest, or preserving competitive positioning in time‑sensitive procurements subject to heightened scrutiny.

Tara regularly advises corporate and private equity clients on mergers and acquisitions involving government contracts, including diligence, risk assessment, regulatory and compliance gap analysis, novations, and post‑closing integration. She helps buyers and sellers assess program risk, identify compliance issues that may affect transaction value, and understand the operational implications of government contracts in mission‑critical and regulated businesses. Tara works closely with corporate, litigation, and investigations teams to provide coordinated support throughout the transaction lifecycle.

A core component of Tara’s transactional practice is compliance and operational counseling. She advises contractors on FAR and DFARS compliance, procurement ethics, and False Claims Act risk, with an emphasis on front‑end risk mitigation and operational readiness. Her work includes drafting, reviewing, and enhancing company policies, procedures, and internal controls to support a well-rounded compliance program and ongoing contract performance.

Tara also counsels clients navigating internal and external investigations, audits, and government disclosures, including voluntary and mandatory disclosures with an emphasis on identifying and addressing compliance issues early to minimize business disruption and reduce enforcement risk.

Licensed in Virginia, DC, and Ohio. Not admitted in North Carolina.