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MoFo Advises Blackstone on Creation of Falcata

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Morrison Foerster advised Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, on its launch of Falcata, a defense technology company formed through the acquisition and combination of TSC and Applied Systems Engineering, Inc. (ASEI) under a unified platform. Falcata will build on the existing capabilities, customer relationships and programs of both companies while investing in additional technology, manufacturing capacity, and talent.The MoFo team advising Blackstone was led by government contracts partners Damien Specht and Caitlin Crujido and associates Liam Bowers and Thomas Lee. The wider team included national security partners Chris Chamberlain and James Brower, government contracts partner Locke Bell, and national security associates Mason Gauch and Riddhi Suva.Read the <a href="https://www.blackstone.com/news/press/blackstone-announces-significant-investment-to-launch-falcata-leader-in-next-generation-interceptor-technologies/" target="_blank">Blackstone press release</a>.

MoFo Advises Blackstone on Creation of Falcata

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Damien is a partner in the firm’s Government Contracts & Public Procurement practice. Damien represents clients in all facets of government contracts transactions, as well as regulatory counseling, subcontract and teaming agreement negotiations, contract disputes, size protests, and protests. Damien has been recognized as a leading Government Contracts lawyer by various publications. Chambers USA explains that he “is a strong choice for advising government contractors on M&A transactions,” with sources saying that he has “excellent knowledge of government contracts M&A” and that “his biggest strength is that he is very commercial, thinking about both the legal and business side of things.” National Law Journal named him a Trailblazer and found that federal lawmakers turn to him when they “need expert advice about small-business policy.”Damien has played a significant role in more than 200 government contracts transactions, representing industry leaders, private-equity firms and entrepreneurs. He also regularly serves as lead counsel in high-stakes litigation, including pre- and post-award protests at the GAO, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and state tribunals, as well as in size protests and appeals.The co-editor of books on small business litigation and government contracts transactions, Damien was a founding member of the ABA Public Contract Law Section Mergers and Acquisitions Committee and serves in the leadership of the American Bar Association Small Business & Other Socioeconomic Programs Committee. Damien has testified about procurement issues before the United States House of Representatives.<h4>GAO PUBLISHED DECISIONS</h4><ul><li>Dawson Solutions, LLC, B-418587, B-418587.2, Jun. 19, 2020, 2020 CPD ¶ 216</li><li>LATA-Atkins Technical Services, LLC, B-418602,B-418602.4, Jun. 10, 2020, 2020 WL 3265159</li><li>Inquiries, Inc., B-418486, B-418486.2, B-418486.3, May 27, 2020, 2020 WL 3034820</li><li>BEAT, LLC, B-418235, B-418235.2, Jan.30, 2020, 2020 CPD ¶ 64</li><li>Battelle Memorial Institute, B-416263.5, Jan. 23, 2020, 2020 WL 508726</li><li>ASRC Federal Data Network Technologies, LLC, B-418028; B-418028.2, Dec. 26, 2019, 2019 WL 7370424</li><li>IPKeys Technologies, LLC, B-416873.2, B-416873.3, Apr. 5, 2019, 2019 CPD ¶138</li><li>ActioNet, Inc., B-416557.4, February 27, 2019, 2019 CPD ¶ 97</li><li>Advanced Software Systems, Inc., B-414892.2, B-414892.3, B-414892.4, B-414892.5, B-414892.6, Jan. 7, 2019, 2019 CPD ¶ 51</li><li>Chenega Healthcare Services, LLC, B-416158, Jun. 4, 2018, 2018 CPD ¶ 200</li><li>Federal Acquisition Services Alliant JV, LLC, B-415406.2, B-415406.3, April 11, 2018, 2018 CPD ¶ 139</li><li>VT Halter Marine, Inc., B-415510.2, B-415510.3, B-415510.4, Jan. 24, 2018, 2018 CPD ¶ 62</li><li>OBXtek, Inc., B-415258, Dec. 12, 2017, 2017 CPD ¶ 381</li><li>Katmai Health Services, LLC, B-413816.3, Jul. 12, 2017, 2017 CPD¶ 220</li><li>Verdi Consulting, Inc., B-414103.2, B-414103.3, B-414103.4, Apr. 26, 2017, 2017 CPD ¶ 136</li><li>Threat Management Group, LLC, B-413729, Dec. 21, 2016, 2017 CPD ¶ 9</li><li>Analytic Strategies LLC; Gemini Industries, Inc.; B-413758.2, B-413758.3, Nov. 28, 2016, 2016 CPD ¶ 340</li><li>Kollsman, Inc., B-413485, B-413485.2, B-413485.3, Nov. 8, 2016, 2016 CPD ¶ 326</li><li>The Boeing Company, B-412441, Feb. 16, 2016, 2016 CPD ¶ 269</li><li>Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., B-411359; B-411359.2, Jun. 16, 2015, 2015 CPD¶ 219</li><li>IAP World Services, Inc.; EMCOR Government Services, B-407917.2, B-407917.3, B-407917.4, B-407917.5, B-407917.6, B-407917.7, 2013 CPD ¶ 171</li><li>AT&T Government Solutions, Inc. , B-406926, B-406926.2, B-406926.3, B-406926.4, B-406926.5, B-406926.6, 2013 CPD ¶ 88</li><li>Weibel Equipment, Inc., B-406888, B-406888.2, 2012 CPD ¶ 279</li><li>O'Gara Training and Services, LLC, B-404901.2, 2011 CPD ¶ 171</li><li>Harrington, Moran, Barksdale, Inc., B-401934.2, B-401934.3, 2010 CPD ¶ 231</li><li>CIGNA Government Services, LLC, B-401068.4, B-401068.5, 2010 CPD ¶ 230</li><li>ITT Corporation, Systems Division, B-310102.6, B-310102.7, B-310102.8, B-310102.9, 2010 CPD ¶ 12</li><li>FedSys, Inc., B-401453, 2009 CPD ¶ 181</li><li>Academy Facilities Management, B-401094.3, 2009 CPD ¶ 139</li><li>Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc., B-400771; B-400771.2, 2009 CPD ¶ 49</li><li>TrailBlazer Health Enterprises, LLC, B-310801.6, B-310801.7, B-310801.10, 2013 CPD ¶ 204</li><li>Evans Security Solutions, Inc. , B-311035, 2008 CPD ¶ 58</li><li>DRS C3 Systems, LLC, B-310825; B-310825.2, 2008 CPD ¶ 103 </li></ul><h4>COFC PUBLISHED DECISIONS</h4><ul><li>AccelGov, LLC v. United States, 170 Fed. Cl. 508 (2024)</li></ul><ul><li>Acuity Edge, Inc. v. United States, 174 Fed. Cl. 46 (2024)</li></ul><ul><li>Alpine Cos., Inc. v. United States, 156 Fed. Cl. 681 (2021)</li></ul><ul><li>Navarro Rsch. & Eng’g, Inc. v. United States, 151 Fed. Cl. 184 (2020)</li></ul><ul><li>Next Phase Sols. & Servs., Inc. v. United States, 164 Fed. Cl. 15 (2023)</li></ul><ul><li>Noble Supply & Logistics LLC v. United States, 168 Fed. Cl. 439 (2023)</li></ul><ul><li>Quanterion Sols, Inc. v. United States, 157 Fed. Cl. 22 (2021)</li></ul><ul><li>HomeSource Real Estate Asset Servs. v. United States, No. 10-416 C, 94 Fed. Cl. 466 (Fed. Cl. 2010)</li><li>ACTA, LLC v. United States, No. 20-356C</li><li>Chenega Healthcare Servs., LLC v. United States, No. 18-861C, 141 Fed. Cl. 254 (Fed. Cl. 2019)</li><li>Trans Digital Techs., LLC v. United States, No. 18-121C, 138 Fed. Cl. 34 (Fed. Cl. 2018)</li><li>Precise Sys. v. United States, No. 14-1174C, 122 Fed. Cl. 263 (Fed. Cl. 2015)</li><li>Palladian Partners, Inc. v. United States, No. 14-317C, 119 Fed. Cl. 417 (Fed. Cl. 2014)</li><li>Pyramid Real Estate Servs., LLC v. United States, No. 10-599 C, 95 Fed. Cl. 613 (Fed. Cl. 2010)</li><li>Acad. Facilities Mgmt. v. United States, No. 09-302C, 87 Fed. Cl. 441 (Fed. Cl. 2009)</li><li>L-3 Communs. EOTech, Inc. v. United States, No. 08-515 C, 83 Fed. Cl. 643 (Fed. Cl. 2008)</li></ul>

Damien C. Specht

Partner

Caitlin Crujido is a partner in the Government Contracts practice in Morrison Foerster’s Washington, D.C. office.Caitlin represents government contractors in a full range of contract matters, including bid protests, contract claims and disputes, mergers and acquisitions, and internal and external investigations.In her litigation practice, Caitlin is often involved with the full life cycle of claims, from preparing requests for equitable adjustment to litigating claims disputes at the Boards of Contract Appeals and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (COFC). She also regularly represents clients in pre- and post-award bid protests before procuring agencies, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and COFC. In addition, Caitlin has worked on a number of False Claims Act (FCA) investigations and qui tam actions. In her transactional practice, Caitlin’s experience includes advising on mergers and acquisitions involving both the purchase and sale of government contracting concerns or related assets. Beyond performing due diligence, negotiating purchase agreements, and assisting with post-transaction related filings, Caitlin takes a holistic view to these transactions, working with clients to navigate various strategic and legal considerations. Her practice also includes counseling clients on various compliance and regulatory issues, particularly in the areas of contract and subcontract management.Prior to joining the firm, Caitlin served as a law clerk for the U.S. Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.Caitlin graduated from the University of Arizona in 2012, receiving her B.A. in Political Science. In 2017, she earned her J.D. cum laude, from the American University Washington College of Law, where she was an articles editor for the American University Law Review. While in law school, Caitlin clerked at a large Washington, D.C. law firm in its government contracts practice group and interned with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Tort Claims Act Section and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

Caitlin Crujido

Liam Bowers is an associate in the Government Contracts practice in Morrison Foerster’s New York office.Liam received his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School with high honors and a concentration in Government Procurement Law. He served as a member of the Public Contract Law Journal and was the recipient of the 2022 Murray J. Schooner Scholarship for Government Procurement Law. While in law school, he served as judicial intern to Judge Thompson Michael Dietz in the United States Court of Federal Claims and as a summer law clerk in the Department of the Navy, Office of General Counsel. Before joining the firm, he worked as a transactional associate at a leading law firm in New York.Liam received a B.A. in political science with a minor in environmental systems from the University of California, San Diego.

Liam Bowers

Associate

Thomas Lee is an associate in Morrison Foerster’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the firm’s Government Contracts & Public Procurement Group.Before joining the firm, Thomas clerked for the Honorable Thompson M. Dietz at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. He also served as a summer law clerk at the U.S. Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.Thomas earned his J.D. with a concentration in government procurement from the George Washington University Law School. He was a managing editor of The George Washington Law Review and was a member of the Government Contracts Student Association. Prior to law school, he received his M.A. in English from Georgetown University and his B.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Thomas Lee

Chris Chamberlain is a partner in Morrison Foerster’s National Security Group. He previously served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), where he focused on complex high-technology issues in export controls at the forefront of U.S. national security and foreign policy, including semiconductors. He brings over 15 years of government and private practice experience, including in-depth knowledge in export controls and related fields. Chris has extensive experience advising and engaging with senior government and industry leadership, and in navigating interagency and international coordination on export controls. During his time at BIS, Chris was a Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration and was the senior policy lead for semiconductor manufacturing controls. He played a pivotal role in strategizing, drafting, and implementing key regulations and policy actions on semiconductor issues. Chris advised on key issues pertaining to the Department of Treasury’s outbound investment regulations. In his work in and out of government, Chris has led teams and personally handled the execution of virtually every aspect of regulatory implementation in export controls. This includes extensive coordination with enforcement personnel, engineers, and other regulatory and legal experts on issues arising from license applications and determinations, Advisory Opinions, Letter Authorizations and the Is-Informed process, and other regulatory mechanisms and issues. Chris also has extensive experience in the extraterritorial application of export controls, including under the Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR) and De Minimis Rule, and restrictions on U.S. Person activities. Chris has a particular industry focus on semiconductor production, microelectronics, telecommunications (including encryption), and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. His experience also includes advising companies’ export controls issues in semiconductor design and test, cloud based services, and various technologies involved in autonomous vehicles, making him a valuable asset in navigating the regulatory landscape of these high-tech sectors. He also has extensive experience consulting with industry to provide feedback on regulations, and he has strategized and executed numerous internal investigations to assess compliance with U.S. trade and national security controls. In private practice, Chris has advised on the development and application of a wide array of national security and trade laws, with a specific focus on export controls (EAR/ITAR) and specializations in federal procurement and other regulations on cyber and supply chain security. Chris has extensive experience in export compliance, policy, and enforcement, having developed and implemented global compliance programs focused on trade and national security controls, especially on controls related to China and Russia. His work has involved advising on export jurisdiction and classification determinations (CCATS and Commodity Jurisdiction requests), strategizing and preparing export license applications and similar requests, and conducting internal risk assessments and investigations to assess compliance with U.S. trade controls. In the context of CFIUS, Chris has conducted export control jurisdiction and classification analysis in company-wide critical technology reviews for CFIUS filings and evaluated potential outcomes and timing for CFIUS reviews. He has also drafted guidance and advised on national security authorities in the context of commercial and corporate transactions, especially related to China and telecommunications, including undersea cable projects. Earlier in his career, Chris served as a Judicial Law Clerk to Judge Margaret Ryan on the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, where he drafted memoranda and briefed cases involving complex constitutional law and regulation. Prior to that, he worked as a Program Analyst in the Office of Audits at the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General, where he designed and executed audit plans focused on immigration, procurement, transportation, and grants. Chris earned his J.D., cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was recognized as an Exceptional Pro Bono Pledge Honoree.

Chris Chamberlain

Locke is a partner in MoFo’s Government Contracts & Public Procurement practice. He has been recognized by Chambers USA for his “proficiency across the government contracts space,” with sources commending his deep experience in Intellectual Property and Data Rights.Locke counsels clients across industries through the full lifecycle of delivering technology and licensing software to U.S. federal, state, and local governments, and performing government-funded R&D through contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other vehicles such as other transactions (OTs/OTAs), cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs), and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. He provides strategic advice for asserting, protecting, and enforcing patents, data rights, and other intellectual property under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and the Bayh-Dole Act, before statutory agencies such as NASA and the Department of Energy, and in engagements with OT consortia, federal laboratories, and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). He is a skilled negotiator of commercial and noncommercial licensing agreements, contracts and subcontracts, joint venture agreements, and teaming agreements. As a litigator, Locke represents clients in bid protests, complex contract claims, data rights challenges, patent and copyright infringement suits under 28 U.S. Code §1498, trade secrets misappropriation and reverse-FOIA disputes, and civil fraud and qui tam actions under the False Claims Act. Locke also regularly advises large and small businesses, private equity firms, and entrepreneurs on the complex government contracting and IP-related issues they face in M&A and other transactional matters.Locke has repeatedly been “Recommended for Government Contracts” by The Legal 500, and in 2024 he was ranked “Up and Coming” in Government Contracts by Chambers USA. He has also been recognized as a Rising Star by Law360 and the National Law Journal.Locke is a professorial lecturer in law at the George Washington University Law School, where he teaches Government Procurement of Intellectual Property. He is a current vice-chair and former co-chair of the Intellectual Property Committee for the American Bar Association Public Contract Law Section. Locke holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia and formerly was a patent examiner for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He earned his J.D. with honors from the George Washington University Law School, where he received the Patricia A. Tobin Government Contracts Award. Locke clerked for Judge Mary Ellen Coster Williams at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

Locke Bell

Mason Gauch is an associate in Morrison Foerster’s National Security Practice Group.Mason advises clients on economic sanctions, export controls, foreign investment, and tariffs. He has guided multinational companies through sensitive regulatory matters, including obtaining authorizations from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), preparing filings before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and conducting due diligence reviews of corporate transactions from an international trade perspective. He has also counseled technology companies on risk-based compliance programs tailored to their products, users, and jurisdictions.Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, Mason practiced at another international law firm, where he focused on cross-border trade compliance, foreign investment reviews, and regulatory frameworks affecting emerging technologies. He also gained additional relevant experience as an intern to Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. In addition, he maintains an active pro bono practice, representing clients in asylum, divorce, expunction, and criminal exoneration matters.Mason earned his B.A. and M.Ed from the Ohio State University and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was a Dean’s Scholarship recipient.

Mason Gauch

Riddhi Suva is an associate in Morrison Foerster’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the firm’s National Security Group.Riddhi advises clients on sanctions, export controls, and evolving national security risks, including cross-border transactions, foreign investment reviews, risk assessments, and complex investigations.Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, Riddhi served as an intern in the U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division, where she supported CFIUS reviews of multinational transactions, assessed telecommunications-related risks, and prepared legal and policy analyses. Prior to attending law school, she supported government agencies in matters relating to cybersecurity, infrastructure resilience, and broader policy changes.Riddhi earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she served on the editorial board of the Virginia Journal of International Law, as president of the National Security Law Forum, and as a research assistant to Professor Kristen Eichensehr. She received her B.A. in political science from the University of California, Berkeley.Riddhi is fluent in Hindi and Gujarati.