Wiley Rein Teams with SAI Global to Deliver Broader Risk Management Solutions for U.S. Government Contractors

Washington, DC and Plainsboro, NJ - The Government Contracts Practice of DC-based law firm Wiley Rein LLP-a nationally recognized leader in Federal procurement compliance and Government Contracts law-and the Compliance Division of SAI Global, a worldwide provider of solutions that integrate compliance, ethics and risk management into business operations, have joined forces to provide government contractors with a full suite of information and services they need to meet the newest FAR Subpart 3.10 requirements which are expected to be published in late 2007.

This strategic business alliance leverages Wiley Rein's acknowledged excellence as FAR system subject matter experts and SAI Global's market leadership providing companies with solutions that allow them to manage their compliance business process across divisions and locations.  A vast majority of SAI Global's customer base is subject to the new FAR regulations and requires effective communication and training materials to ensure they meet the mandatory new standards.

The partnership will provide for the expansion of SAI Global's FAR course library beyond the existing 13-course curriculum currently reviewed by Wiley Rein.  A new overview course will serve as the cornerstone of the required training and communication programs, and will deliver relevant industry-specific content in a customizable format.

Wiley Rein provides to SAI Global customers a range of services that allow them to address their compliance risk assessment needs, including:

• Determining, based on specific circumstances, the nature and extent of the program required. 
• Assessing existing compliance measures to identify weaknesses and gaps in coverage.
• Assessing unique risks that drive a company's specific compliance program requirements.
• Designing compliance program elements to round out existing programs, or inaugurate an entire new program, ensuring that the program is workable.
• Ascertaining a company's compliance program training requirements for all employee levels, and for new employees, as well as refresher training and updates.
• Conducting periodic compliance reviews/audits to ensure programs continue to function effectively. 

"The need to conform to the letter and spirit of the new FAR regulations is obvious," said Tom Parry, President, SAI Global Compliance (Americas). "We are delighted to have Wiley Rein as a partner, and look forward to providing federal contractors with their consulting expertise combined with SAI Global's products and services to deliver end-to-end solutions that address many aspects of their compliance programs."   

Bill Roberts, Co-Chair of the Wiley Rein Government Contracts Practice and a member of the SAI Group Board of Advisors, noted that "There are a variety of factors involved in building and executing a compliance program; assessing risks is critical but without proper employee training and documentation, it's just a paper program.  SAI Global share our strong commitment that clients not only understand the FAR system, but implement programs that help ensure appropriate legal and ethical employee conduct."

Wiley Rein's Government Contracting Expertise

It has always been risky for a Federal contractor to operate without a compliance program geared toward the numerous statutory and regulatory requirements imposed under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) system.  The lack of a comprehensive and conscientiously enforced compliance program can expose a contractor to much more serious consequences if an employee intentionally or negligently violates a law or regulation.  Conversely, having such a program is a significant mitigating factor that is considered by prosecutors and procurement officials when deciding what to do about a contractor's procurement-relate misconduct.  Now, however, because of the soon-to-be published FAR Subpart 3.10, many contractors will be required to have a written code of ethics and business conduct, as well as an associated training program.  Soon, having a good compliance program will no longer be simply a good idea-for many companies with a Federal contract over $5,000,000, it will be the law.

Wiley Rein has been a leader in Federal procurement compliance for many years.  Additionally, Wiley Rein has special expertise in procurement compliance for companies undertaking due diligence for mergers and acquisitions of Federal contractors.  From aerospace and logistics giants to middle-tier companies and start-ups, Wiley Rein  has represented clients in False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Act and Government ethics cases.  They specialize in identifying and confronting compliance program gaps, and see compliance best practices up close and personal on a regular basis.  Wiley Rein frequently is engaged to undertake compliance program audits, and to recommend steps to  increase protection afforded by a comprehensive compliance program in the most cost-effective way.  Wiley Rein's extensive experience with Federal procurement compliance makes them the ideal resource for companies whose compliance programs need a  "tune-up," as well as those that need to start from the ground up.

About SAI Global

SAI Global applies information worldwide to help organizations manage risk, achieve compliance and drive business improvement.  It provides access to standards and other technical and regulatory information, compliance solutions, business improvement training and independent verification and certification services. 

Headquartered in Plainsboro, NJ, the brings a global view and global capabilities to comprehensive compliance, ethics, AML (anti-money laundering), information security and privacy solutions.  More than communication and training, SAI Global provides a range of services from risk analysis to program management, from engaging Web-based training programs to news feeds, risk management solutions, benchmarking data and global legislative databases.

About Wiley Rein LLP

Since 1983, Wiley Rein LLP has been a presence in the national capital, operating at the center of the political, legal, governmental, business and technical worlds, and providing to its clients counsel derived from aggressive advocacy and deep subject matter knowledge.  With more than 270 attorneys specializing in almost two-dozen specialties of law, Wiley Rein is comprised of boutique-quality practice areas-including a 30-member Government Contracts Practice-employing a truly interdisciplinary approach.  The firm's lawyers, many of whom have held high federal government posts in the legislative and executive branches, are regularly recognized as leading practitioners for their involvement in high-profile cases and are widely respected for their discretion in matters deliberately kept out of the spotlight.  Firm clients are assured innovative, attentive, first-rate representation, hallmarks of the firm's commitment to building and maintaining long-lasting professional relationships.

Media Inquiries

Darren Brackett, VP Business Development, SAI Global, , (678) 779-3699.

Debbie Hearns, Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications, Wiley Rein LLP, , (202) 719-4530.

Click here for the official news release.