Townsend Bourne advises companies that do business with the U.S. government, with a focus on entities in the aerospace and defense, information technology, and financial services industries, as well as other critical infrastructure industries such as energy and communications. Her clients include companies both in the U.S. and overseas. Townsend is co-leader of the Aerospace, Defense and Government Services team.
Recognized by Chambers USA with a nationwide ranking in both government contracts and cybersecurity, Townsend is a national leader practicing at the intersection of these areas of law.
Townsend counsels on a broad range of issues facing government contractors with specific expertise in cybersecurity, national security, critical infrastructure, supply chain risk management and emerging technologies, including:
- Department of Defense (DoD) and civilian agency security requirements (including the FAR and DFARS)
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Data Security Program under EO 14117
- NIST
- FedRAMP
- CMMC
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Secure software development practices and SBOMs
- Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements
- Data breach and incident response
- Investigations and enforcement actions relating to cyber fraud under the False Claims Act
A strategic thinker and advocate for her clients, Townsend helps clients navigate the complexities of government regulations and policies, ensuring they not only comply with the law but also leverage it to their advantage. She provides counsel and solutions that align with her clients’ business objectives, including forward-thinking strategies for compliance with evolving regulations and standards, as well as risk mitigation.
Townsend conducts internal investigations and helps clients in a variety of industries develop and maintain effective compliance programs. She also helps negotiate subcontracts and teaming agreements, prepares contractor claims, and advises on disputes arising out of doing business with the government—both in lawsuits involving government agencies directly and in disputes between commercial parties.
With deep knowledge of the commercial litigation strategies for these disputes and experience litigating in the specialized forums they are subject to, Townsend advises on matters involving the Contract Disputes Act and the False Claims Act, bid protests before the Government Accountability Office and Court of Federal Claims, and claims litigation before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.