News

Another SCI Clearance Victory7/29/2010
Bill Savarino saved another SCI clearance at the NSA. This successful appeal involved multiple allegations under Guidelines D (Sexual Behavior), H (Drug Use); and E (Personal Conduct).
Bill Savarino named Chairman of Lawers Associated Worldwide7/2/2010
Bill Savarino has become the new Chairman of <a href='http://www.lawyersworldwide.com/'>Lawyers Associated Worldwide</a> (LAW), an international association of over 100 independent law firms located in over 130 commercial centres representing a global resource of approximately 4000 individual lawyers. Member firms are entrepreneurially minded, business focused firms serving middle-market clients throughout the world. Cohen Mohr has been a proud member of LAW since 2000. Membership in LAW permits us to provide viable, cost-effective solutions for the cross-border needs of our clients.
Another DOHA Clearance Victory6/7/2010
Bill Savarino saved another clearance before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The applicant was denied a clearance under Guideline E Personal Conduct based on allegations that he had (i) recently smoked marijuana, (ii) demonstrated a pattern of accessing questionable material on a Government computer system; and (iii) stole considerable property from his employer and the employers of his friends. Mr. Savarino was able to overturn the denial following a 4-hour hearing in Arlington, VA.
Another DOHA Clearance Victory5/18/2010
Bill Savarino saved another clearance before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The applicant was denied a clearance under Guideline D Sexual Behavior, Guideline E Personal Conduct, and Guideline M Use of Information Technology Systems. For over a year, the applicant had viewed pornography on his work issued laptop both at his office and while away on business. The Department of Defense also alleged that the applicant had engaged in sexual misconduct in his office. Mr. Savarino was able to overturn the denial following a 5 hour hearing in Arlington, VA.
Franchise Practice Success5/1/2010
Successfully represented and negotiated an early termination and mutual release for a real estate franchisee.
Franchise Practice Success5/1/2010
Successfully represented and negotiated a right to sell, early termination or assignment of a home repair franchisee with its franchisor.
Another Clearance Victory3/22/2010
Bill Savarino saved another SCI clearance with the CIA. The applicant was initially denied SCI access due to numerous issues involving piracy of copyrighted materials, shoplifting, and the improper use of prescription drugs. Mr. Savarino successfully overturned the intial denial through the preparation of a thorough brief, strong preparation of the applicant for the personal appearance and attending the personal appearance with the applicant.
Another DOHA Clearance Victory1/28/2010
Bill Savarino successfully defended another clearance at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). This case involved issues under Guideline B arising from relatives in Iraq, Jordon, and Syria. One of the relatives was a former member of the Iraqi Parliament. The hearing took place in Arlington, VA.
Pat Cardwell reached favorable settlement on behalf of financial services Area Developer with its franchisor12/15/2009
The financial services area developer owned the development rights for a financial services company and also operated a number of franchise stores in its territory. Over time, disputes arose between the parties concerning the franchisor's alleged mistreament of the Area Developer. Specifically Mr. Cardwell alleged, among other things, breaches of contract by the franchisor as well as alleged breaches by franchisor of the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing. After substantive negotiations, Mr. Cardwell and his client were able to reach a favorable settlement with the franchisor which included the franchisor acquiring the area developer rights back from the Area Developer.
Government Video Expo 2009 Presentation is available12/15/2009
On December 3, 2009, Andrew Mohr and Kelly Kroll were once again in attendance at the Government Video Expo to talk about GSA Schedules. Each year Andrew and Kelly provide exhibitors with valuable insight into this premier government purchasing program and how GSA Schedules can benefit almost any company. If you would like to view and/or download the presentation, click <a href='/resources/article.asp?fa=synopsis&articleid=81'>here</a>.
Another Clearance Victory11/12/2009
Bill Savarino overturned another denial of a security clearance before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). This case involved allegations of recent past drug use (within the past year) under Guideline H. The case required a 3 hour hearing in Denver, Colorado.
Another DOHA Clearance Victory9/21/2009
Bill Savarino saved another clearance for an applicant at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The case involved allegations under Guidelines B (Foreign Influence - Korea); Guideline K (Security Violations); and Guideline E (Personal - deception). The case was difficult as the Government raised numerous issues; namely, that the applicant lived in Korea with a Korean wife; the applicant had several clear security violations in 2004 and 2005; and the applicant gave inconsistent information to the investigator concerning the security violations. The case required a 5-hour hearing before DOHA in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Another Clearance Victory9/2/2009
Bill Savarino secured another clearance for an applicant at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) in Arlington, Virginia. DoD contested the applicant's eligibility under Guideline B. The applicant and his wife had numerous family members in Pakistan, provided financial support to one of his Pakistan relatives and had traveled to Pakistan often. The successful 3 hour hearing took place in Arlington, VA.
Another DOHA Clearance Victory8/31/2009
Bill Savarino saved another clearance for an applicant at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The case involved allegations under Guideline F (Financial) and was based on the applicant's inability to pay a mortgage on a second home. The case required a 3 hour hearing at DOHA in Arlington, Va.
Another SCI Clearance Victory 8/22/2009
Bill Savarino secured another SCI clearance for an applicant at the National Security Agency (NSA). The denial was based on the fact that the applicant had been charged with felony sexual conduct involving his young stepdaughter and failed to report this charge on his SF-86. Mr. Savarino worked with the applicant to prepare a detailed brief and numerous exhibits in mitigation, which carried the day. NSA's Deputy Chief of Security reversed NSA's initial decision to deny the applicant SCI access.
Judgement won against franchisor8/21/2009
Obtained Judgement against a children's spa franchisor in an amount in excess of $550,000 for fraud, conspiracy, breach of contract, conversion and violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
Another Clearance Victory5/29/2009
Bill Savarino secured another clearance for an applicant at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) in Arlington, Virginia. The applicant is an translator from Kurdistan, Iraq with several families members residing in Iraq. DoD contested the applicant's eligibility under Guideline B. After a 3 hour hearing in Arlington, the Judge granted the clearance on an expedited basis to permit the Applicant to resume his duties in support of the U.S. Army in Iraq.
Another Clearance Victory4/30/2009
Bill Savarino secured another clearance for an applicant at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) in Arlington, Virginia. The applicant had 6 relatives living in Nigeria and DoD contested the applicant's eligibility under Guideline B.
Kelly Kroll will be speaking at the National Association of Broadcaster's Show in Las Vegas on April 22nd. 3/30/2009
Ms. Kroll will participate in a panel discussion on conducting business with the federal government and make a presentation on GSA Schedule Contracting. More information regarding this speaking engagement can be found at: <a href= "https://www.nabshow.com/2009/education/sessiondetail.asp?id=148134">https://www.nabshow.com/2009/education/sessiondetail.asp?id=148134</a>. <br /><br />If you will be at the NABShow and would like to meet with Ms. Kroll to discuss ways in which your company can tap into the government marketplace, please contact her at <a href="kkroll@cohenmohr.com">kkroll@cohenmohr.com</a>.
Another Security Clearance Victory3/25/2009
Bill Savarino successfully assisted an applicant to gain his clearance through a reapplication following an adverse ruling by the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The applicant was denied a clearance and contested the denial in a hearing at DOHA where he represented himself. The DOHA hearing judge found that it was not in the national interest to grant him a clearance. Mr. Savarino subsequently persuaded the Director of DOHA to permit the applicant to reapply for a clearance after which DOHA granted him a clearance.
Another Security Clearance Victory3/9/2009
Bill Savarino saved another security clearance before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) in Arlington, VA. The case involved numerous allegations of past due debts under Guideline F; several allegations of questionable conduct and deception under Guideline E; and an allegation of a pattern of criminal conduct under Guideline J. The case required a 5-hour hearing.
Mr. Cardwell successfully represented a restaurant franchisee who was in great financial distress2/15/2009
Specifically, the franchisee owed its franchisor hundreds of thousands of dollars. Mr. Cardwell alleged that the franchisee had a number of claims against the franchisor relating to the franchise relationship. Mr. Cardwell negotiated a sale and assignment of the franchisee's franchise to a buyer. As part of the settlement, the Franchisor waived around 97% of all fees that were due and owing by the franchisee, the franchisee retained eighty percent of the purchase price and all parties executed mutual releases and settlement of all claims.
Pat Cardwell successfully represented a pharmaceutical franchisee in great financial distress2/1/2009
The franchisee was losing a large amount of money monthly and had debt which was personally guaranteed by the franchisee owners in the mid six figure range. Mr. Cardwell successfully negotiated the sale of the franchise assets to a competitor. In completing this sale, Mr. Cardwell successfully negotiated and entered into settlement and release agreements with the franchisee's franchisor, financial institution, suppliers and landlord. And the distressed franchisee was permitted to retain a fair amount of the purchase price and its receivables after closing.
Bill Savarino Article on E-Mail Retention1/24/2009
<p>Read Bill Savarino's e-mail retention insight into the recent Wall Street meltdown in the January 14, 2009 article in COMPUTERWORLD entitled "Wall Street crisis brings lax e-discovery law enforcement to light." You can access the article <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=Storage&articleId=9125962&taxonomyId=19&pageNumber=1">here</a>.</p> <p>Bill has considerable experience with the retention of Electronically Stored Information and over the years has spoken on the topic to thousands of general counsels, executives, and IT and records managers for companies and organizations such as ARMA and AIIM throughout the nation. In fact, if you are in Philadelphia on April 1, 2009, you can hear Bill speak at the AIIM Annual Exposition and Conference on ESI "Reducing Discovery Risk and Cost with a Proactive Email Archiving Strategy" with industry retention expert Bill Tolson of Mimosa Systems.</p>
Pat Cardwell reached a favorable settlement on behalf of a franchisee with its financial services franchisor1/1/2009
Pat Cardwell reached a favorable settlement on behalf of a franchisee with its financial services franchisor. Mr. Cardwell contended the franchisor improperly disclosed the franchisee in the sale of the franchise. After negotiations, the franchisor agreed to a confidential settlement favorable to the Franchisee.
Another DOHA Security Clearance Victory 12/30/2008
Bill Savarino successfully mitigated Guideline B concerns for a scientist with close family ties to Lebanon at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) in Arlington, VA.
Bill Savarino 2d Interview on Federal News Radio10/27/2008
Noted Security Clearance lawyer, Bill Savarino, was interviewed for a second installment by Derrick Dortch of Federal News Radio (WFED) that will air on Mr. Dortch's Fed Access show at noon EST on October 30, 2008. This installment is about specific issues that can affect an individual's eligibility, including drugs, alcohol, criminal activity, and financial concerns. Hear Mr. Savarino's interview at <a href="http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=454&-sid=1475606">federalnewsradio.com</a> or on 1500 AM.
Another DOHA Security Clearance Victory 9/30/2008
Bill Savarino successfully convinced the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals to grant a clearance despite admissions of dishonesty under Guideline E. The applicant, a former military officer, lied about having extramarital sex with an enlisted man to her superior officer, to a state court judge in her divorce proceedings, and then to a Defense Security Service Special Agent in connection with her periodic reinvestigation. Mr. Savarino presented sufficient evidence to mitigate DOHA''s concerns during a 4 hour hearing in Arlington, VA.
Another DOHA Security Clearance Victory9/29/2008
Bill Savarino successfully gained a clearance for another Iraqi translator, who had lost his clearance under Guideline B for having immediate family in Iraq, Syria, Germany, Jordan and Canada. After a 4 hour hearing in San Diego, CA, Mr. Savarino convinced DOHA that the applicant, who served as a translator in Iraq for a military contractor, mitigated DOHA''s concerns of possible foreign influence. Mr. Savarino has successfully represented numerous Iraqi translators against Guideline B allegations.
Bill Savarino Interviewed on Federal News Radio9/14/2008
Noted Security Clearance lawyer, Bill Savarino, was interviewed by Derrick Dortch of Federal News Radio (WFED) on September 11, 2008 about pertinent issues affecting security clearances for individuals working for the Government or contractors. Mr. Savarino gave advice to those who are denied clearances or are in the process of having their clearances revoked. Hear Mr. Savarino's interview at <a href="http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=454&-sid=1475606">http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=454&-sid=1475606</a>.
Another Security Clearance Victory 9/3/2008
Bill Savarino saved another clearance. This time he successfully convinced a Department of Energy (DOE) Appeal Panel to reverse an adverse hearing decision by a Department of Energy (DOE) Hearing Official to revoke a DOE employee''s Q clearance. The employee had a used marijuana while he possessed a Q clearance. His clearance was revoked after a hearing at DOE in Washington, D.C. Mr. Savarino appealed the adverse decision to the DOE, which formed an Appeal Panel to hear the appeal. Mr. successfully convinced the Appeal Panel that the Hearing Official''s decision was unsupported and that restoring the employee''s clearance would be clearly consistent with the national interest.
Another Security Clearance Victory 6/26/2008
Bill Savarino and his team won another key clearance decision. This time they successfully overturned an initial adverse decision by the NSA to deny an applicant access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) based on long-term excessive alcohol use. The final level of appeal comprised a written brief attacking the findings of an NSA psychologist and an oral argument before a seven member panel at NSA in Ft. Meade, Maryland.
Presentation on the FAR/DFAR Ban on Human Traffick6/17/2008
On June 17, 2008, Tenley Carp was one of four panelists to speak at a luncheon presentation sponsored by the Women's Bar Association entitled "Human Trafficking: A Look at Modern-Day Slavery." Ms. Carp discussed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and its 2003 amendment which mandated the use of termination clauses in federal contracts permitting an agency to terminate any contractor engaged in human trafficking. She described the requirements of the regulations which include publishing a statement adopting the U.S. Government's "zero tolerance" of human trafficking and establishing awareness programs to inform employees about the contractor's "zero tolerance" policy. She also enumerated the many penalties contractors face for failing to act in compliance with these regulations including contract termination, suspension and/or debarment, suspension of contract payments, loss of award fee, removal of employees from the contract, and required subcontractor termination.
Security Clearance Webinar5/14/2008
Bill Savarino together with security consultant Bob Schwalls conducted a 1 hour webinar for Federal Publications on May 14, 2008 entitled: "Reports From The Field - Current Issues Facing Government Contractors in their Battle to Get and Keep Security Clearances." Bill addressed new developments, practical lessons learned, and best practices for defense companies in dealing with security clearances.
GAO Protest Victory for Carp5/6/2008
Tenley Carp filed and won a protest to the Government Accountability Office ("GAO") on behalf of a client bidding on a contract to provide assistance to the U.S. government for the development of competitive market chains in various sectors of the Haitian economy. On her client's behalf, Carp challenged that the agency failed to evaluate her client's proposal in accordance with the agency's stated evaluation criteria. After the filing of the protest, the agency informed GAO that it would take corrective action in response to the protest by reviewing offerors' proposals submitted in the second round of final proposal requests and determining whether discrepancies in either the government's technical or cost analysis existed and whether either analysis required further evaluation. The government also decided to stay contract performance of the award until the proposed corrective action was taken.
Another Security Clearance Victory4/17/2008
Bill Savarino won another case at Department of Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The case involved defeating 15 separate allegations under Guideline E relating to job terminations and deceit.
Carp Successfully Defends GAO Protest 4/9/2008
Tenley Carp successfully defended a client by intervening in a bid protest filed by an unsuccessful company which bid on a contract to perform court security officer services in seven judicial circuits. The protester argued that the United States Marshals Service ("USMS") failed to conduct a proper evaluation of the offers submitted by private companies to USMS in response to the agency's Request for Proposals. Within days of the filing of the protest, USMS overruled the automatic stay in three of the seven judicial circuits. Several weeks later, USMS took corrective action which resulted in Carp's client being able to start working on the contract immediately.
Another Security Clearance Victory3/27/2008
Bill Savarino succeeded in helping another individual keep his clearance with the Department of Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The case required a lengthy hearing in Arlington, Virginia and involved allegations of misconduct relating to pornography under Guideline E.
Another CIA Cearance Victory 3/7/2008
Bill Savarino successfully assisted an individual to regain his TS/SCI clearance with the CIA. The matter involved allegations of questionable conduct and security violations. Bill Savarino, assisted by his client, was able to overturn a security decision denying the clearance at the first level of review.
Another GAO victory2/6/2008
Tenley Carp filed and won a protest to the Government Accountability Office ("GAO") on behalf of a client bidding on fulfillment mail services. On her client's behalf, Carp challenged that the agency failed to evaluate her client's proposal in accordance with the agency's stated evaluation criteria. After the filing of the protest, the agency informed GAO that it would take corrective action in response to the protest and re-open the competition.
Another Clearance Victory1/28/2008
Bill Savarino saved another clearance at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals. The case involved past due debts under Guideline F. The case was tried in Arlington, VA.
GAO Victory for Carp1/14/2008
Tenley Carp secured a victory for her client by filing a protest to the Government Accountability Office ("GAO"). Carp's client had submitted a bid in response to a federal agency's request for proposals for security guard services. After Carp's client was debriefed by the agency, her client decided to file a protest. On her client's behalf, Carp challenged the agency's past performance evaluation and cost/technical tradeoff analysis. After the filing of the protest, the agency informed GAO that it would take corrective action in response to the protest. The agency explained that it had learned of adverse past performance information concerning the awardee's performance of other government contracts and that the agency had not considered this information in its past performance evaluation. The agency decided to re-open the competition, request revised past performace information and render a new best value determination with this additional information.
GVExpo 2007 Presentation11/16/2007
Andrew Mohr and Kelly Kroll gave a rousing presentation at this year's Government Video Expo on November 16, 2007. Click on the link to view and download the presentation.
Savarino Speaks on Email Retention10/17/2007
Bill Savarino was the featured speaker at an E-mail retention seminar at Microsoft in Cleveland, Ohio on October 16, 2007. Bill spoke to a large crowd on E-Mail Retention Best Practices. The event was sponsored by Mimosa Systems.
HUBZone Victory for Carp9/28/2007
<a href='/attorneys/carp.asp'>Tenley A. Carp</a> secured a victory for her client by filing a historically underutilized business zone ("HUBZone") protest before the U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA"). Carp's client had submitted a bid in response to a U.S. Army solicitation which was 100% set-aside for HUBZone small business concerns. When the U.S. Army notified Carp's client that it intended to make an award to a competitor, Carp challenged the intended awardee's HUBZone status by claiming (and providing evidence) that it did not meet the requirement of having at least 35% of its employees reside in a HUBZone. On September 27, 2007, the SBA sustained the protest, decertified the competitor from the HUBZone program, and made the the determination effective immediately.
Another DOHA victory7/31/2007
Bill Savarino won another Guideline B case at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The case involved an applicant from Russia who had immediate family still in Russia, traveled often back to Russia, and sent money to her family in Russia several times a year. The 4-hour hearing was held in Arlington, Va.
Another DOHA Security Clearance Victory7/19/2007
Bill Savarino saved another clearance at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The applicant faced revocation under Guideline E for allegedly falsifying a time card. During a 2 hour hearing in Arlington, VA, DOHA found in favor of the applicant.
Another DOE Security Clearance Victory7/19/2007
Bill Savarino won another clearance case at the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Hearings and Appeals. The applicant's Q clearance was suspended u9nder 10 C.F.R. after experiencing two major psychotic episodes that required hospitalization. After a 6 hour hearing in Washington, D.C., at which two psychiatric experts testified, the applicant's Q clearance was restored.
Another Security Clearance Victory7/8/2007
Bill Savarino won another clearance case at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). This case involved numerous serious past security violations that triggered a denial under Guideline K. Among a host of excellent reference witnesses, Bill Savarino relied upon the expert testimony of Bob Schwalls from Dallas, Texas. The 7 hour hearing was held in San Francisco.
Savarino Speaks on Email Retention7/2/2007
Bill Savarino will be the featured speaker at a <a href='http://www.mimosasystems.com/index.htm'>Mimosa Systems</a> sponsored email retention seminar in New York City on July 17.
Security Clearance Victory6/21/2007
Bill Savarino scored another security clearance victory at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The case involved an individual who had an extramarital affair and who misrepresented information to a Special Agent investigating the matter. The hearing, which took place in Arlington, VA, involved Guideline E and Guideline D issues.
Another Successful Clearance Effort6/11/2007
Bill Savarino successfully assisted another Federal Government employee in retaining a clearance from the Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) in the face of multiple allegations stemming from his dual U.S. - Mexican nationality and other alleged preferences for Mexico.
Another Security Clearance Victory6/11/2007
Bill Savarino won another Guideline B victory at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) following a lengthy hearing in San Diego. The case involved an individual who's wife had numerous family members in Taiwan.
Another SCI Clearance Victory6/4/2007
Bill Savarino successfully overturned a decision by the U.S. Air Force to deny a former Chinese national Special Compartmented Information (SCI) access based on his assoications with Chinese nationals.
Another Successful Clearance Effort6/4/2007
Bill Savarino successfully assisted a Navy officer in obtaining a positive recommendation from the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) in connection with his attempt to retain his TS/SCI clearance in the face of multiple allegations from DON CAF involving (i) improper sexual behavior; (ii) criminal conduct; (iii) improper personal conduct; and (iv) secuirty violations.
Another DOHA clearance victory6/4/2007
Bill Savarino won another victory at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The case involved several Guideline E allegations concerning alleged terminations for cause from an employer, deceptions on a job application and an SF-86 Application. The 4 hour hearing was held in Arlington, Virginia.
Another Clearance Victory5/20/2007
Bill Savarino was able to persuade the Defense Department of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) to withdraw its Guideline B concerns in a Statement of Reasons (SOR) involving an applicant with family in Bangladesh.
Another Clearance Victory5/3/2007
Bill Savarino won another clearance decision at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). The case involved Guideline C and Guideline B issues. The applicant had family in Egypt and the UAE, made numerous trips to Egypt and sent money to family in Egypt. The case involved a 5 hour hearing in New York City.
Another Security Clearance Victory4/19/2007
Bill Savarino posted another Guideline B victory, this time representing a Government employee with with a mother, father, and several siblings still living in China
E-Mail Retention Presentation4/17/2007
Bill Savarino instructed the Nebraska Chapter of ARMA on E-Mail Retention Issues in a day long seminar held on April 17,2007.
New Carp article on human trafficking is published2/15/2007
This article describes what actions government contractors must take to be in FAR and DFARS compliance with the U.S. Government's "zero tolerance" policy on human trafficking.
Bill Savarino saves another clearance1/9/2007
The case involved a senor FAA official in Los Angeles who received an intent to revoke his long standing clearance for issues relating to alcohol and personal conduct. Mr. Savarino assisted the employee in marshalling mitigating evidence and then presented the evidence at a 3-hour personal conference with the FAA in Los Angeles.
Another Guideline B victory at DOHA12/22/2006
Bill Savarino was able to convince DOHA to withdraw a Statement of Reasons involving allegations concerning relatives in Ethiopia.
SBA Introduces New Changes to its Size Regulations11/30/2006
Laurel Hockey summarizes SBA's latest changes to size regulations in <a href='http://www.cohenmohr.com/resources/article.asp?fa=synopsis&articleid=79'>this article</a>.
Q Clearance Victory10/3/2006
Bill Savarino successfully restored a Department of Energy (DOE) "Q" clearance for an applicant with alcohol problems following a 5 hour hearing held in Las Vegas, NV.
Another Guideline B Victory at DOHA9/29/2006
Bill Savarino won another hearing at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). This was a Guideline B case involving Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and the United Arab Emirates. The victory came following a four-hour hearing at DOHA in Arlington, Virginia.
Carp Delivers Size Protest Victory9/27/2006
Tenley Carp represented a small U.S. business before the U.S. Small Business Administration whose main competitor had challenged the company's size status with respect to a solicitation that was a 100% set-aside for small businesses. The company argued (and provided evidence) that it was well within the size standard that was assigned to the procurement by the Contracting Officer. On September 19, 2006, the SBA made a formal size determination that the company was small under the applicable North American Industrial Classification Code assigned to the procurement.
New Security Clearance Victory9/12/2006
Bill Savarino and his security clearance team won another victory. They successfully overturned a decision by the CIA denying an applicant a TS/SCI clearance. The issue concerned improper drug use and deceit.
ANOTHER GUIDELINE B VICTORY AT DOHA8/8/2006
Bill Savarino and his team were successful again at DOHA in another Guideline B case. This one involved an applicant from the Republic of Korea who had made recent travels to visit family there.
New Mohr & Kroll GSA Article Published7/26/2006
<a href="http://www.governmentvideo.com">GovernmentVideo.com</a> has published "'Get it Right' Does Resellers Wrong", by Andrew Mohr and Kelly Kroll. This article discusses the shortcomings of GSA's "Get it Right" program.
Another Security Clearance Success7/20/2006
Bill Savarino and his team were successful in convincing DOHA to withdraw the SOR of an applicant from Vietnam, who had family back in Vietnam and had made numerous trips back to Vietnam. Because the SOR was withdrawn, the applicant was able to obtain a clearance without the need for a hearing.
DOHA Guideline B Victory6/23/2006
Bill Savarino and his Security Clearance team won another victory at DOHA. In this case, the applicant was from Libya and had a number of brothers and sisters still residing in Libya.
DOHA Guideline F Victory5/15/2006
DOHA Victory - Bill Savarino won another case at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). This was a Guideline F (financial considerations) case involving an applicant with who had significant past due debt.
LAW goes to Dublin5/15/2006
Partners Bill Savarino and Victor Klingelhofer participated in the Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW) European Regional Meeting held in Dublin, Ireland. Cohen Mohr is a member of LAW, which is an international association of law firms.
DOHA Guideline H Victory5/1/2006
DOHA Victory - Bill Savarino and his security clearance team were successful in persuading the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) to withdraw a Statement of Reasons (SOR) concerning Guideline H (drug involvement) issues. DOHA was persuaded to grant the clearance without going to a hearing.
Tenley Carp speaks at GRIPLA4/25/2006
On Thursday, April 13, 2006, Tenley Carp was a guest speaker at a meeting of intellectual property attorneys hosted by the Greater Richmond Intellectual Property Law Association ("GRIPLA"). Ms. Carp's presentation focused on steps that a company should take to protect its intellectual property when entering into a government contract. After the presentation, Ms. Carp fielded questions from GRIPLA members. Download a PDF version of her presentation <a href="/resources/Protecting IP in Government Contracts.pdf">here</a>.
DOHA Guideline B Victory1/31/2006
DOHA Victory - Bill Savarino won another case at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). This was a Guideline B case involving an applicant with a Thai wife and several in-laws who were citizens and residents of Thailand. The case was tried in Tucson, Arizona.
DOHA Guideline B Victory1/25/2006
Bill Savarino and his security clearance team were successful in persuading the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) to withdraw a Statement of Reasons (SOR) alleging Guideline B issues based on applicant's brother who was a citizen and resident of Hong Kong.
Cohen Mohr welcomes Tenley Carp1/9/2006
Cohen Mohr is pleased to announce that Tenley Carp has joined the firm as a Partner. Learn more about Ms. Carp <a href='/attorneys/carp.asp'>here</a>.
ARMA New Mexico 200512/12/2005
Bill Savarino spoke to the <a href="http://www.armariogrande.org/default.htm">Northern New Mexico Chapter of ARMA</a> in Santa Fe on e-mail retention issues. You can download a copy of his presentation <a href="/resources/2005%20arma.pdf">here</a>.
DOHA Victory10/25/2005
Bill Savarino and his security clearance team has succeeded in convincing the Department of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) to withdraw a Statement of Reasons (SOR) under Guideline B for a client whose father lives in the Ukraine.
Security Clearance Success9/20/2005
Bill Savarino and his security clearance team wins DOHA Appeal Board decision. In ISCR Case No. 03-24356, dated September 19, 2005, the DOHA Appeal Board affirmed a hearing decision granting Mr. Savarino's client a clearance. The Appeal Board addressed and rejected arguments made by the Government that the DOHA hearing judge erroneously concluded that Mr. Savarino's client had committed a forgery and falsified his answer to Question 20 on his SF-86 form.
New DOHA Victory9/15/2005
Bill Savarino and his security clearance team add another win at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA)! This case involved Guideline B issues based on the applicant's family members in Ghana, and Guideline E issues based on allegations that the applicant lied on his SF-86 Form.
Bill Savarino Speaks on E-mail Retention9/14/2005
Bill Savarino spoke today to the Omaha Branch of <a href="http://arma.org">ARMA International</a>. You can download a copy of his presentation <a href="/resources/omaha%20arma%202005.pdf">here</a>. If you're interested, you may also want a copy of the <a href="/erecords/downloads/coleman_morganstanley.pdf">Morgan Stanley order</a>.
Emergency Procurement Authority Invoked for Hurricane Katrina Operations9/8/2005
Procurement guidelines now governed by emergency procurement authorities. See the Memorandum for Civilian Agencies <a href='\resources\Emergency Procurements-2005-04.pdf'>here</a>.
Another Security Clearance Victory at DOHA9/1/2005
Bill Savarino and the Security Clearance team won another victory at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals. The hearing, which took place in San Diego, CA, focused on complicated Guideline B issues involving Australia.
Security Clearance Team Wins Again8/19/2005
Bill Savarino and his security clearance team have won another case at DOHA (Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals): The case, which was heard in Honolulu, HI, involved Guideline B issues stemming from relatives living in Hong Kong.
Security Clearance Team Wins Four5/27/2005
Bill Savarino and his security clearance team have won four more cases at DOHA (Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals):<br><br> 1. The first case involved allegations of deception (Guideline E), where the applicant was accused of lying on his SF-86 form. Five witnesses were called during the 7 hour hearing at DOHA.<br><br> 2. The second case involved two allegations; one pertaining to foreign preference (Guideline B), where the applicant had family in India, and the other pertaining to outside activities (Guideline L), where the applicant had arrangements with a family business in India. This case also involved a complicated hearing at DOHA. <br><br> 3. The third case also involved two allegations; one pertaining to foreign preference (Guideline B), where the applicant had family in India, and the other pertaining to outside activities (Guideline L), where the applicant's company owned other businesses in India and Germany and members of the applicant's family served as directors for these other companies. Bill Savarino and his team convinced DOHA to withdraw the Statement of Reasons and grant the clearance without a hearing. <br><br> 4. The fourth case involved allegations of criminal conduct (Guideline J), where the applicant had pled guilty to possession of drugs. Because the applicant was sentenced to time in excess of one year, DOHA also alleged that the applicant was disqualified from receiving a clearance based on the Smith Amendment, 10 U.S.C. 986. Bill Savarino and his team convinced DOHA to withdraw the Statement of Reasons and grant the clearance without a hearing.
Security Clearance Team Reverses DHS SCI Ruling3/21/2005
Cohen Mohr's Security Clearance team of Bill Savarino and Roni Laxa successfully reversed a decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deny an applicant Special Compartmented Information (SCI) access. The applicant possessed a top-secret clearance, but had been denied on two occasions SCI access, which was essential for his official duties.
Government Video Technology Expo 200410/1/2004
Andrew Mohr gave a rousing presentation at this year's Government Video Expo on October 7, 2004. Download his presentation <a href="/resources/gvexpo2004.pdf">here</a>.
SBA Withdraws Proposed Size Standards Rule7/1/2004
On July 1, 2004, the Small Business Administration ("SBA") withdrew its proposed rule, which sought to modify the small business standards by measuring size in terms of number of employees rather than average annual receipts for most industries and SBA programs. The proposed rule was issued on March 19, 2004.
SBA Issues Final Rule Amending Size Regulation5/21/2004
On May 21, 2004, the Small Business Administration ("SBA") issued a final rule, which amends its size regulations. The final rule is effective and will apply to all solicitations issued on or after June 21, 2004. While the specific amendments are too numerous to discuss herein, this Bulletin will identify certain amendments of widespread interest. [Download the rule <A href='/resources/sizeregfinal.pdf'>here</a>.]
Dan DuVal Elected to Public Office5/20/2004
Dan DuVal has been elected 1st Vice President of the McLean Citizens Association, an organization with approximately 1,000 members representing McLean Citizens (www.mcleancitizens.org). DuVal also serves as a director of the McLean Revitalization Corporation.
SBA Proposes New Size Standards Rule3/24/2004
Laurel Hockey summarizes the SBA's newly proposed revamping of small business size standards.
Andrew Mohr Teaches 3-Day Course at AU2/1/2004
This past January and February, 2004, Andrew Mohr led a course in Acquisition Management to 20 government and industry managers at the American University, School of Public Affairs, Key Executive Program. The three day course covers federal procurement from needs analysis and market research through the solicitation process, award and administration of contracts. Mohr is a member of the Adjunct Faculty at American University.
Andrew Mohr at Government Video Expo12/3/2003
Andrew Mohr reprised past presentations of his GSA Schedule Update seminar at the annual Government Video Expo in Washington, DC, this year held at the brand new Convention Center in December, 2003. Mohr is Market Watch columnist for Government Video magazine and its GSA Editor. The GSA Schedule Update seminar is provided to companies exhibiting at GV Expo. Assisting Mohr was the firm’s Kelly Kroll, Esq., an associate with particular expertise in GSA Schedule contract matters.
Cohen Mohr attorneys in Bangkok11/7/2003
Bill Savarino and Victor Klingelhofer travelled to Bangkok during November to participate in the Lawyers Associated Worldwide annual meeting.
Andrew Mohr at University of Maryland11/6/2003
Andrew Mohr was a panelist in the Back2Basics Seminar "Contracting For Commercial Products And Services In The Federal Market", held at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland on Thursday, November 6.
Savarino Speaks at ARMA Convention10/23/2003
Bill Savarino spoke to a great crowd at the <A href='http://expo.arma.org/'>2003 ARMA International Annual Conference</A> in Boston held at the Hynes Convention Center October 19-22, 2003. Check out his presentation <A href='/resources/scared straight.pdf'>here</A>.
Dave Cohen in Government Computer News3/14/2003
Dave Cohen was quoted in Government Computer News on the subject of e-mail management.
Dave Cohen in Washington Business Journal11/1/2001
Dave Cohen was quoted in <U>Washington Business Journal</U> on October 29, 2001 in regards to high-tech government contracting.

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