In the area of federal grant law, Mr. Sheffler assists clients with the myriad requirements that apply upon acceptance of federal grant funding, including those established in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars that preceded the Uniform Guidance, and program-specific statutory and regulatory funding conditions. Mr. Sheffler’s representations in this area include:
- Cost disallowance and grant termination appeals before the HHS Departmental Appeals Board;
- Guiding clients through federal agency audits and investigations from routine audit responses, to replying to agency subpoenas, to negotiating resolution of alleged compliance failures and threatened cost disallowances;
- Assisting clients in structuring federally funded research projects and relationships to fit their commercial and non-commercial needs; and
- Advising clients generally on matters of federal grant and contract related compliance, including the structuring and implementation of organizational policies and procedures.
As the Firm’s Government Contracts Practice Leader, Mr. Sheffler advises clients on matters of both federal and District of Columbia procurement law, including contract claims, subcontract negotiations, bid protest matters, and small business regulations.
In the area of health care law, Mr. Sheffler advises federally funded health care entities in affiliations with partner entities, assisting with structuring relationships that meet client needs while mitigating risk associated with applicable healthcare laws and federal funding requirements. Mr. Sheffler combines his knowledge of health care law and federal funding legal requirements to assist clients in navigating the complex overlapping systems and achieving desired business goals.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Sheffler practiced with the U.S. Navy Office of General Counsel, advising on government contract matters and government investigations. He began his legal career as an officer in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps where he advised Commanders on administrative, criminal and operational law matters and represented individual clients in administrative and criminal defense proceedings. Mr. Sheffler leverages his experience to assist mission-driven clients in successfully navigating the highly regulated federal system and in weathering unexpected adverse situations.
