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Counsel, Naval Sea Systems Command
The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is the largest single business activity in the Navy and one of the largest business establishments in the Federal Government. In combination with Program Executive Officers, NAVSEA acquires or supports the acquisition of naval vessels as well as the armament and electronic and propulsion systems that go on board the vessels. In addition, NAVSEA manages the Naval Surface and Naval Undersea Warfare Centers consisting of specialized laboratories and engineering activities, and oversees a massive industrial base including four naval shipyards. Naval ordnance and weapons stations formerly under the Command are being transferred to the Fleet Commands, but NAVSEA Counsel retains oversight of the legal services at those activities.
NAVSEA's Office of Counsel provides legal advice both at NAVSEA Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia (to be relocated to the Washington Navy Yard in 2001), and at some 29 field locations, using the services of approximately 120 lawyers, including approximately 50 attorneys located at Headquarters. The majority of attorneys at NAVSEA Headquarters handle procurement matters, advising Navy personnel involved in the acquisition of ships, weapons and ship systems, responding to litigation and other challenges to the legality of those contracting actions, and assisting in resolving problems arising during contract performance. The acquisition of naval vessels and their components involves a variety of unique legal issues including methods of contracting, competitive source selection, financing, labor and socio-economic questions, as well as contract claims, bid protests and attendant litigation. The industrial nature of many NAVSEA field activities has resulted in a growing number of environmental legal questions requiring negotiations with state, local and federal regulators and, on occasion, entailing Federal court litigation. Likewise, the Navy's trend toward downsizing and base closures has resulted in the increased practice of law concerning civilian personnel and the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Act and outsourcing. In addition, NAVSEA attorneys deal in a variety of other specialized fields, including patents and other intellectual property matters, contract fraud, Freedom of Information Act, warranties, small business questions, conflict of interest, and asbestos litigation support.
For additional information on NAVSEA and the Counsel for the Naval Sea Systems Command, go to www.navsea.navy.mil.
This web page was last updated on Sunday, September 26, 2004; at 2:16:50 AM
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