Bio
Jackie provides thoughtful and thorough guidance on a wide variety of government contracting issues. She is a Co-Chair of PilieroMazza’s False Claims Act Group, where she represents clients in investigations related to government contracts, including FCA investigations and suspension and debarment proceedings. Additionally, she helps clients successfully navigate the complexities of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and SBA’s small business program requirements. Jackie’s practice extends to helping clients pursue federally funded contracting opportunities, particularly those tailored to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.
Jackie is well-versed in representing clients in procurement-related disputes including filing and defending bid protests at the Government Accountability Office and the Court of Federal Claims, and size and status protests before the Small Business Administration. She also counsels clients in contract disputes with the Government and teaming partners, and assists with requests for equitable adjustments, claims, and appeals before agency Boards of Contract Appeals.
Related Practice Areas
Representative Matters
Representative Experience
- Represents government contractors in civil and criminal False Claims Act investigations and in responding to Civil Investigative Demands, and negotiates settlements with the Department of Justice
- Litigates bid protests before federal agencies, the Government Accountability Office, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- Pursues and defends size and status protests before the U.S. Small Business Administration
- Litigates government contractor claims at the COFC and the Boards of Contract Appeals
- Negotiates requests for equitable adjustment, claims, and contract related disputes with the Government
- Drafts and reviews teaming agreements and subcontracts, and handles disputes between teaming partners
- Drafts and reviews joint venture and mentor-protégé agreements
- Advises on compliance with domestic sourcing restrictions such as the Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act
- Counsels government contractors on compliance with SBA’s regulations, maintaining small business size status, and avoiding affiliation
- Assists small, disadvantaged businesses in applying for and maintaining certification in state and local small business programs including the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
Insights
Articles
- What DOD’s Final DFARS Rule Means for Defense Contractors, American Manufacturing, and Protecting the Nation’s Supply Chain, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 03.13.24
- Impact of Postal Service’s $9.6 Billion Sustainability Investment on the Future of Government Contracts, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 12.22.22
- 2022 GAO Bid Protest Annual Report: Key Takeaways for Government Contractors, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 12.05.22
- Potential Changes on the Horizon for DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, PilieroMazza Client Alert, 10.18.22
- Buy American Act Final Rule Strengthens Domestic Sourcing Requirements, PilieroMazza Client Alert, 04.12.22
- DOJ Recovers Over $5.6 Billion From Fraud and False Claims Act Matters in FY 2021: 6 Key Takeaways, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 02.03.22
- DOD Class Deviation Imposes New Requirements for Nonavailability Waiver Determinations Under the Buy American Statute, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 01.07.22
- 2021 GAO Bid Protest Annual Report: What the Report Reveals About Bid Protests at the GAO, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 01.06.22
- New Infrastructure Bill and Its Impact on Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in the Construction Industry, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 11.12.21
- DOD Proposes to Amend DFARS to Implement Trump-Era Buy American Act Executive Order, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 09.03.21
- Proposed Rule Seeks to Strengthen Impact of Buy American Act – 6 Key Takeaways, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 08.24.21
- DOD Issues Proposed Rule on Enhanced Post-Award Debriefing Rights: 5 Things You Should Know, 08.24.21
- DOD Issues Proposed Rule on Enhanced Post-Award Debriefing Rights: 5 Things You Should Know, 06.03.21
- The First 100 Days: President Biden’s Buy American Executive Order, What Government Contractors Need to Know, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 02.11.21
- Government Contractors: 5 Takeaways from DOJ’s Remarks on First Year of Procurement Collusion Strike Force, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 12.21.20
- BLOG: $4.5 Million False Claims Act Settlement Underscores DOJ’s Focus on Fraud in Small Business Programs, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 07.01.20
- BLOG: 4 Things to Know About DOJ’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 03.13.20
- BLOG: Buyer Beware: More Stringent Standards for Government Contractors under the Buy American Act on the Horizon, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 10.04.19
- SBA Information Notice Provides Guidance on SBA’s Interpretation of the Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 01.04.19
- Key Considerations for Government Contractors Facing a Government Shutdown, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 12.14.18
- GAO Considers Impact of Department of Defense Enhanced Debriefing Rights on Protest Timeliness Requirements, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 07.31.18
- Legal Advisor Newsletter – Second Quarter 2018, The Legal Advisor, 05.01.18
- DoD Issues Class Deviation to Implement Enhanced Postaward Debriefing Requirements from FY 2018 NDAA, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 04.05.18
- Enhanced Post-Award Debriefing Requirements Included in Final Version of FY 2018 NDAA, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 01.04.18
- Enhanced DoD Debriefing Requirements in the Senate Version of the FY 2018 NDAA May Reduce Bid Protests, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 11.02.17
- DOT’s DBE Program Helps Promote Growth, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 05.23.17
- Navigating Your DBE Certification, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 05.15.17
- Expiration of GAO’s Jurisdiction of Civilian Agency Task Order Protests Limits Government Contractor Options, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 10.11.16
- SBA Will Begin Accepting Applications for the New Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program on October 1, 2016, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 08.31.16
- False Claims Act Penalties Set for Significant Increase Later This Year, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 06.03.16
- U.S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument on Implied Certification Theory of the False Claims Act, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 05.06.16
- No Excuses for Untimely Proposal Submissions – Even if it’s Not Your Fault, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 02.03.16
- VA Proposes Significant Changes to Its VOSB/SDVOSB Verification Program, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 11.13.15
- Making the Most of Your Minority-Owned Business Status, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 10.02.15
- No Piggy-Backing Allowed: GAO Regulations Compel Offerors to File Their Own Protest Rather than Intervene, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 07.24.15
- Possible Trouble for Contractors Who Use Consultants to Prepare Proposals, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 04.16.15
Events
- Common Scenarios Triggering False Claims Act Violations, Part 1: Government Contracts and Cybersecurity, Public Contracting Institute (PCI) Event , 09.26.24
- Common Scenarios Triggering False Claims Act Violations, Part 1: Government Contracts and Cybersecurity, PilieroMazza Webinar , 06.26.24
- Negotiating Subcontracts, ChallengeHER Detroit , 06.17.24
- Preparing for Major Changes to DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Effective May 9, 2024, PilieroMazza Webinar , 05.08.24
- Unlocking the Secrets of Debriefings, Government Evaluation of Proposals and Protests, Colorado APEX Accelerator Event , 03.28.24
- PilieroMazza Annual Review: What DOJ’s Annual FCA Report Means for Government Contractors, PilieroMazza Webinar , 03.13.24
- Small Government Contractors and the FCA: Is More Enforcement on the Horizon?, PilieroMazza Webinar , 11.08.22
- Update on DOT’s DBE Program for Construction Contractors, PilieroMazza Webinar , 10.19.22
- Buy American: Government Contracting Updates, APTAC 2022 Virtual Symposium , 06.09.22
- FAR 52.203-16, Organizational and Personal Conflicts of Interest, May the Clause Be with You℠ Season 4 , 05.18.22
- Buy American: What Government Contractors Need to Know, PilieroMazza Webinar , 04.27.22
- 2021 FCA Year-in-Review and Emerging Trends for 2022, PilieroMazza Webinar , 02.16.22
- Construction Webinar Series: The Infrastructure Bill’s Impact on DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, PilieroMazza Construction Webinar Series , 12.15.21
- Construction Webinar Series: DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program: What Large and Small Construction Contractors Need to Know, PilieroMazza Construction Webinar Series , 09.23.21
- Using OTAs as an Acquisition Mechanism in Defense Contracts: Benefits and Pitfalls, DC APEX Accelerator Event , 05.18.21
- PPE and Businesses: Ongoing Challenges and Looking Ahead, Mid-Tier Advocacy, Inc. Event , 04.28.21
- The First 100 Days: Deciphering Key Provisions in the Buy American Act for Government Contractors, PilieroMazza Webinar , 04.27.21
- Using OTAs as an Acquisition Mechanism in Defense Contracts: Benefits and Pitfalls, AFCEA Small Business Committee Meeting , 02.11.21
- The False Claims Act: 2019 Takeaways and 2020 Trends, PilieroMazza Webinar , 04.02.20
- Common Claims Under Construction Contracts, PilieroMazza Webinar , 08.30.17
Webinar Replays
- Common Scenarios Triggering False Claims Act Violations, Part 1: Government Contracts and Cybersecurity, Webinar Replays, 06.26.24
- Preparing for Major Changes to DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Effective May 9, 2024, Webinar Replays, 05.08.24
- PilieroMazza Annual Review: What DOJ’s Annual FCA Report Means for Government Contractors, Webinar Replays, 03.13.24
- Small Government Contractors and the FCA: Is More Enforcement on the Horizon?, Webinar Replays, 11.09.22
- The False Claims Act: 2019 Takeaways and 2020 Trends, Webinar Replays, 04.02.20
- The Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act: Understanding Federal Domestic Preference Requirements, Webinar Replays, 03.15.18
- Common Claims Under Construction Contracts, Webinar Replays, 08.30.17
- Taking Advantage of the DBE Program in Today’s Environment, Webinar Replays, 05.24.17
Podcasts
- PilieroMazza Annual Review: What DOJ’s Annual FCA Report Means for Government Contractors, 03.13.24
- Utilizing Strategic Partnerships for Government Contracts, 07.07.22
- The Infrastructure Bill’s Impact on DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, 12.15.21
- DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program: What Large and Small Construction Contractors Need to Know, 09.23.21
News
- PilieroMazza Unveils Podcast Series for Commercial Businesses New to Government Contracting, 07.12.22
- PilieroMazza Elevates 3 Attorneys to Partnership Ranks in 2022, 01.05.22
- PilieroMazza Builds on Strategic Plan for the Future, 01.05.21
- ANNOUNCEMENT: Jackie Unger Elevated to Counsel in PilieroMazza’s Government Contracts Group, 09.01.20
- PilieroMazza Adds Attorneys to List of Super Lawyers®, 05.07.20
Credentials
Education
- The George Washington University Law School, J.D., 2011
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, B.S., 2007
Admissions
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Washington
- District of Columbia
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Washington
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
Activities
Activities
District of Columbia Super Lawyers® Rising Star, Government Contracts, 2019-Present
Jackie provides thoughtful and thorough guidance on a wide variety of government contracting issues. She is a Co-Chair of PilieroMazza’s False Claims Act Group, where she represents clients in investigations related to government contracts, including FCA investigations and suspension and debarment proceedings. Additionally, she helps clients successfully navigate the complexities of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and SBA’s small business program requirements. Jackie’s practice extends to helping clients pursue federally funded contracting opportunities, particularly those tailored to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.
Jackie is well-versed in representing clients in procurement-related disputes including filing and defending bid protests at the Government Accountability Office and the Court of Federal Claims, and size and status protests before the Small Business Administration. She also counsels clients in contract disputes with the Government and teaming partners, and assists with requests for equitable adjustments, claims, and appeals before agency Boards of Contract Appeals.
Related Practice Areas
Representative Experience
- Represents government contractors in civil and criminal False Claims Act investigations and in responding to Civil Investigative Demands, and negotiates settlements with the Department of Justice
- Litigates bid protests before federal agencies, the Government Accountability Office, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- Pursues and defends size and status protests before the U.S. Small Business Administration
- Litigates government contractor claims at the COFC and the Boards of Contract Appeals
- Negotiates requests for equitable adjustment, claims, and contract related disputes with the Government
- Drafts and reviews teaming agreements and subcontracts, and handles disputes between teaming partners
- Drafts and reviews joint venture and mentor-protégé agreements
- Advises on compliance with domestic sourcing restrictions such as the Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act
- Counsels government contractors on compliance with SBA’s regulations, maintaining small business size status, and avoiding affiliation
- Assists small, disadvantaged businesses in applying for and maintaining certification in state and local small business programs including the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
Articles
- What DOD’s Final DFARS Rule Means for Defense Contractors, American Manufacturing, and Protecting the Nation’s Supply Chain, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 03.13.24
- Impact of Postal Service’s $9.6 Billion Sustainability Investment on the Future of Government Contracts, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 12.22.22
- 2022 GAO Bid Protest Annual Report: Key Takeaways for Government Contractors, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 12.05.22
- Potential Changes on the Horizon for DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, PilieroMazza Client Alert, 10.18.22
- Buy American Act Final Rule Strengthens Domestic Sourcing Requirements, PilieroMazza Client Alert, 04.12.22
- DOJ Recovers Over $5.6 Billion From Fraud and False Claims Act Matters in FY 2021: 6 Key Takeaways, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 02.03.22
- DOD Class Deviation Imposes New Requirements for Nonavailability Waiver Determinations Under the Buy American Statute, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 01.07.22
- 2021 GAO Bid Protest Annual Report: What the Report Reveals About Bid Protests at the GAO, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 01.06.22
- New Infrastructure Bill and Its Impact on Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in the Construction Industry, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 11.12.21
- DOD Proposes to Amend DFARS to Implement Trump-Era Buy American Act Executive Order, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 09.03.21
- Proposed Rule Seeks to Strengthen Impact of Buy American Act – 6 Key Takeaways, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 08.24.21
- DOD Issues Proposed Rule on Enhanced Post-Award Debriefing Rights: 5 Things You Should Know, 08.24.21
- DOD Issues Proposed Rule on Enhanced Post-Award Debriefing Rights: 5 Things You Should Know, 06.03.21
- The First 100 Days: President Biden’s Buy American Executive Order, What Government Contractors Need to Know, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 02.11.21
- Government Contractors: 5 Takeaways from DOJ’s Remarks on First Year of Procurement Collusion Strike Force, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 12.21.20
- BLOG: $4.5 Million False Claims Act Settlement Underscores DOJ’s Focus on Fraud in Small Business Programs, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 07.01.20
- BLOG: 4 Things to Know About DOJ’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 03.13.20
- BLOG: Buyer Beware: More Stringent Standards for Government Contractors under the Buy American Act on the Horizon, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 10.04.19
- SBA Information Notice Provides Guidance on SBA’s Interpretation of the Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 01.04.19
- Key Considerations for Government Contractors Facing a Government Shutdown, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 12.14.18
- GAO Considers Impact of Department of Defense Enhanced Debriefing Rights on Protest Timeliness Requirements, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 07.31.18
- Legal Advisor Newsletter – Second Quarter 2018, The Legal Advisor, 05.01.18
- DoD Issues Class Deviation to Implement Enhanced Postaward Debriefing Requirements from FY 2018 NDAA, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 04.05.18
- Enhanced Post-Award Debriefing Requirements Included in Final Version of FY 2018 NDAA, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 01.04.18
- Enhanced DoD Debriefing Requirements in the Senate Version of the FY 2018 NDAA May Reduce Bid Protests, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 11.02.17
- DOT’s DBE Program Helps Promote Growth, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 05.23.17
- Navigating Your DBE Certification, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 05.15.17
- Expiration of GAO’s Jurisdiction of Civilian Agency Task Order Protests Limits Government Contractor Options, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 10.11.16
- SBA Will Begin Accepting Applications for the New Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program on October 1, 2016, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 08.31.16
- False Claims Act Penalties Set for Significant Increase Later This Year, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 06.03.16
- U.S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument on Implied Certification Theory of the False Claims Act, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 05.06.16
- No Excuses for Untimely Proposal Submissions – Even if it’s Not Your Fault, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 02.03.16
- VA Proposes Significant Changes to Its VOSB/SDVOSB Verification Program, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 11.13.15
- Making the Most of Your Minority-Owned Business Status, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 10.02.15
- No Piggy-Backing Allowed: GAO Regulations Compel Offerors to File Their Own Protest Rather than Intervene, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 07.24.15
- Possible Trouble for Contractors Who Use Consultants to Prepare Proposals, The PM Legal Minute Blog, 04.16.15
Events
- Common Scenarios Triggering False Claims Act Violations, Part 1: Government Contracts and Cybersecurity, Public Contracting Institute (PCI) Event , 09.26.24
- Common Scenarios Triggering False Claims Act Violations, Part 1: Government Contracts and Cybersecurity, PilieroMazza Webinar , 06.26.24
- Negotiating Subcontracts, ChallengeHER Detroit , 06.17.24
- Preparing for Major Changes to DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Effective May 9, 2024, PilieroMazza Webinar , 05.08.24
- Unlocking the Secrets of Debriefings, Government Evaluation of Proposals and Protests, Colorado APEX Accelerator Event , 03.28.24
- PilieroMazza Annual Review: What DOJ’s Annual FCA Report Means for Government Contractors, PilieroMazza Webinar , 03.13.24
- Small Government Contractors and the FCA: Is More Enforcement on the Horizon?, PilieroMazza Webinar , 11.08.22
- Update on DOT’s DBE Program for Construction Contractors, PilieroMazza Webinar , 10.19.22
- Buy American: Government Contracting Updates, APTAC 2022 Virtual Symposium , 06.09.22
- FAR 52.203-16, Organizational and Personal Conflicts of Interest, May the Clause Be with You℠ Season 4 , 05.18.22
- Buy American: What Government Contractors Need to Know, PilieroMazza Webinar , 04.27.22
- 2021 FCA Year-in-Review and Emerging Trends for 2022, PilieroMazza Webinar , 02.16.22
- Construction Webinar Series: The Infrastructure Bill’s Impact on DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, PilieroMazza Construction Webinar Series , 12.15.21
- Construction Webinar Series: DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program: What Large and Small Construction Contractors Need to Know, PilieroMazza Construction Webinar Series , 09.23.21
- Using OTAs as an Acquisition Mechanism in Defense Contracts: Benefits and Pitfalls, DC APEX Accelerator Event , 05.18.21
- PPE and Businesses: Ongoing Challenges and Looking Ahead, Mid-Tier Advocacy, Inc. Event , 04.28.21
- The First 100 Days: Deciphering Key Provisions in the Buy American Act for Government Contractors, PilieroMazza Webinar , 04.27.21
- Using OTAs as an Acquisition Mechanism in Defense Contracts: Benefits and Pitfalls, AFCEA Small Business Committee Meeting , 02.11.21
- The False Claims Act: 2019 Takeaways and 2020 Trends, PilieroMazza Webinar , 04.02.20
- Common Claims Under Construction Contracts, PilieroMazza Webinar , 08.30.17
Webinar Replays
- Common Scenarios Triggering False Claims Act Violations, Part 1: Government Contracts and Cybersecurity, Webinar Replays, 06.26.24
- Preparing for Major Changes to DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Effective May 9, 2024, Webinar Replays, 05.08.24
- PilieroMazza Annual Review: What DOJ’s Annual FCA Report Means for Government Contractors, Webinar Replays, 03.13.24
- Small Government Contractors and the FCA: Is More Enforcement on the Horizon?, Webinar Replays, 11.09.22
- The False Claims Act: 2019 Takeaways and 2020 Trends, Webinar Replays, 04.02.20
- The Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act: Understanding Federal Domestic Preference Requirements, Webinar Replays, 03.15.18
- Common Claims Under Construction Contracts, Webinar Replays, 08.30.17
- Taking Advantage of the DBE Program in Today’s Environment, Webinar Replays, 05.24.17
Podcasts
- PilieroMazza Annual Review: What DOJ’s Annual FCA Report Means for Government Contractors, 03.13.24
- Utilizing Strategic Partnerships for Government Contracts, 07.07.22
- The Infrastructure Bill’s Impact on DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, 12.15.21
- DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program: What Large and Small Construction Contractors Need to Know, 09.23.21
News
- PilieroMazza Unveils Podcast Series for Commercial Businesses New to Government Contracting, 07.12.22
- PilieroMazza Elevates 3 Attorneys to Partnership Ranks in 2022, 01.05.22
- PilieroMazza Builds on Strategic Plan for the Future, 01.05.21
- ANNOUNCEMENT: Jackie Unger Elevated to Counsel in PilieroMazza’s Government Contracts Group, 09.01.20
- PilieroMazza Adds Attorneys to List of Super Lawyers®, 05.07.20
Education
- The George Washington University Law School, J.D., 2011
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, B.S., 2007
Admissions
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Washington
- District of Columbia
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Washington
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
Activities
District of Columbia Super Lawyers® Rising Star, Government Contracts, 2019-Present