In the past year, the Commerce Department has released new audit guidelines and the State Department has reinvigorated its Company Visit Program. Both State and Commerce Departments recommend regular audits as part of their compliance program guidelines. Despite their negative image, export compliance audits are one of the most effective tools for improving and validating your compliance program. Whenever possible, audits should not be about d...

U.S. sanctions policy was front and center in 2016 like no other presidential election campaign in living memory. The contest featured accusations of inappropriate ties with Russia, recriminations over the “worst deal ever” in Iran, questions over the Obama Administration’s opening to Cuba, and more. As the dust begins to settle, and the presidency of Donald Trump takes shape, exporters are wondering what this all means for t...

Defense contractors and subcontractors deal with unique export compliance concerns, particularly as it relates to their sourcing of goods and materials, relationships with international partners, and foreign national personnel. It’s very easy to become frustrated with export rules and regulations because they can seem illogical and hard to follow. Unfortunately, non-compliance can cause hefty fines, denial of export privileges, and priso...

Compliance is key to success as a government contractor. On April 6, 2017, Holland & Knight LLP and its partners will be hosting an afternoon program and networking reception focused on compliance strategies for success. We hope you can join us for an informative program and great networking opportunity. Sessions Include: "Cyber Security - Threats and Opportunities in Federal Contracting" Mary Beth Bosco & Eric Crusius (Holland ...

Will the U.S. export control classification that I have for my product/technology apply in other countries with export controls? It’s an everyday question in the world of global trade compliance, and the answer usually is “there’s a 50-50 chance.” Batting 50-50 will get you in the baseball Hall of Fame, classifying your items 50-50 is more likely to get you in the export compliance Hall of Shame. Especially in jurisdict...

The top 20 federal contracts total around $200 billion in potential value, according to Bloomberg Government analysis. With all RFPs likely to be issued before close of fiscal 2017, which agencies have the most lucrative deals? Which contracts are recompetes? How many solicitations will be available for IT, professional services, and R&D? Join Bloomberg Government’s deputy director of research, Dan Snyder, for a 30-minute run down of...

We'll be hosting our 2017 West Coast reception on Wednesday, April 5th at 5PM on Coronado Island. We are excited to showcase our West Coast partners and discuss maritime and EOD-focused issues. Registration is NOW OPEN, so don't miss this chance to join us in California! WHEN: April 5, 2017 from 5 - 8 PMWHERE: Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, 2000 2nd St, Coronado, CA 92118 Keynote Speaker and other event highlights will be announced...

Scenario #1: You are in a position which requires a moment by moment use of your leadership skills. You are responsible for producing results as well as lead a group of people with their own competencies, gifts and challenges. You spend a great deal of your time cultivating cooperation among your team members. You understand the power of a strategically focused team; however, you want to develop/cultivate your own skills to further build a tea...

INSA is pleased to announce that the Honorable James B. Comey Jr., Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), will be the guest of honor and speaker at a leadership dinner on March 29, 2017, at the Hilton Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Director Comey will speak to the strategic importance of the FBI's role within the Intelligence Community (IC) and his vision for the Bureau in 2017 and beyond. Following dinner, Director Comey...

Current Trends in International Trade Enforcement, Compliance & Investigative Responses ...Exercising Reasonable Care over imports, strict liability for export violations, penalties, liquidated damages, detentions, seizures, forfeitures, audits, subpoenas, search warrants, suspension of export privileges, bad publicity… imprisonment?! The “parade of horribles” that can befall U.S. importers and exporters can lead to many...