Steve Cave

• Represented Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) in defeating Sierra Nevada Corp.’s bid protest filed at GAO challenging NASA’s $2.6 billion contract award for the development of a new spacecraft capable of replacing the Space Shuttle and transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
• Represented large defense contractors in numerous mergers and acquisitions.
• Represented numerous General Services Administration Federal Supply Schedule contractors in investigating False Claims Act allegations and successfully resolving or settling the allegations.
• Represented Prism Maritime LLC in in a successful post-award bid protest at GAO challenging the Navy’s improper award decision of a $46 million contract.
• Represented small business in size protest successfully defending against a challenge to its small business size status due to an acquisition by private equity firm.
• Represented company in a “reverse” Freedom of Information Act case in federal court that resulted in favorable settlement of outstanding request for information.
• Represented a company in numerous “reverse” public records act cases at various state and local levels to ensure that the contractor’s exempt information remained confidential.

Steve Cave is a partner in King & Spalding’s Special Matters and Government Investigations practice.   He represents a wide variety of government contractors including those specializing in defense, consulting, and information technology.  Steve’s focus is on government contract counseling and compliance, and transactional support.  Steve has led numerous internal investigations and served as primary counsel during mergers and acquisitions involving government contractors. 

Steve regularly counsels contractors on risks arising under laws and regulations applicable to contracting with federal, state, and local government entities.  He has in-depth experience leading and managing internal investigations and risk reviews as both in-house counsel, and external counsel.  As a former in-house attorney for a leading consulting company, Steve has unique perspectives that help companies quickly dissect and assess relevant risks, and make informed decisions.

Steve represents government contractors in all phases of government contracts including performance, compliance and dispute resolution. Steve serves as the primary government contracts counsel and transactional attorney representing industry leaders, private equity firms, and entrepreneurs that range from major public companies to start-ups.  He has in-depth experience in leading M&A transactions for defense sector clients and has represented clients ranging from start-ups to major public companies.

Steve has extensive experience developing and negotiating complex agreements during acquisitions, and counseling on related issues including national security, intellectual property and data rights, business size, and anti-corruption.

Steve also serves as counsel in high-stakes litigation, including pre- and post-award protests at the GAO, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and various state tribunals, and size protests and appeals.  Steve also has extensive experience handling litigation related to the Freedom of Information Act and various open records laws in states and localities.