Irvine Public Works & Government Contracts Lawyer

Irvine Public Works & Government Contracts Attorney

If you’re looking for an Irvine public works & government contracts lawyer, it’s important to work with counsel who understands the demands of large-scale municipal and master-planned city projects. Bid specifications, compliance requirements, and contract performance are top of mind for anyone working in Irvine’s public works sphere, where transportation and infrastructure improvements, Great Park redevelopment, and general expansion are ongoing initiatives.

Engels-Janzen works with contractors, subcontractors, and public entities to handle procurement, contract drafting, change order issues, and more, ensuring projects across Irvine run as smoothly as possible. Our attorneys help our clients meet their goals by staying compliant, documented, and on time.

Hire a Public Works & Government Contracts Lawyer

Engels-Janzen’s California public contracting and construction law experience is backed by deep industry knowledge and the direct involvement of attorneys. Clients receive advice from lawyers familiar with the specific regulations and work that can affect any given large-scale civic project, technology-enabled build, or transportation initiative in Irvine and throughout Orange County.

Our skilled legal team’s contract review and compliance analysis are precise, and our strategic options are based on a realistic understanding of how things work on the ground. Clients receive straightforward, reliable counsel they can trust to get the job done.

Orange County: Irvine Contract Law and Compliance for Public Works Contractors

Irvine public works projects are frequently associated with Great Park projects, road-widening initiatives, or public infrastructure upgrades. As the size and scope of these projects can vary significantly, so do their associated solicitation and bidding requirements.

Contractors need to ensure that their bids are responsive to Irvine procurement solicitations, follow all addenda, and include complete, correct information in line with specifications. When an Irvine bid award is at odds with procurement criteria or when evaluation procedures are not followed, a bid protest may be warranted.

GAO considers over 1,000 federal-level protests each year, half of which result in some type of corrective action. By following bid instructions, tracking addenda, and confirming clarification requests in writing, contractors can maximize their ability to preserve their opportunities in Irvine’s procurement process.

Prevailing Wages

Prevailing wage requirements are triggered on a variety of public works projects in Irvine. Common examples of projects with public or mixed public/private funding include: 

• Irvine school district construction projects
• road improvement contracts
• public infrastructure upgrades to support Irvine’s master-planned communities

Labor Code §1720 sets out requirements for accurate worker classifications, apprentice ratios, and certified payroll reporting. In a 2023 enforcement action, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office recovered over $1.1 million in wages and penalties for 74 workers on a public works project.

To avoid disputes, back-wage determinations, or administrative sanctions that can disrupt public works programs in high-visibility localities like Irvine, contractors should:

• Review all wage determinations, fringe-benefit requirements, and special rules that may apply due to project funding
• Validate and double-check requirements early
• Maintain strong documentation
• Have an internal peer-review process

DIR Audits & Penalties

A number of public infrastructure improvements within Irvine have been subject to audits by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), such as transit-related upgrades, Irvine civic center projects, or Great Park-related construction and infrastructure.

Audits can include field verification of payroll records, worker interviews, classification checks, and review of apprenticeship utilization. By understanding the types of questions DIR audits examine, contractors can respond more effectively to any issues raised. Some of the most commonly reviewed documents include certified payrolls, contracts, and Notice to Bidders.

Subsequent penalties can often include payment of back wages or civil penalties and potentially debarment exposure.

Because subcontractor usage is common on public works projects, it is critical to have control over subcontractors and the way they complete projects. Maintaining organized and complete project files, clear subcontractor oversight, and proper classification practices can reduce risk on Irvine’s rapidly expanding public works projects.

Public Entity Representation

The city of Irvine and other public agencies in Orange County are responsible for a wide variety of capital projects. Street improvement contracts, multimodal transportation improvements, and community facilities may all involve public agencies, as Irvine pursues its infrastructure development initiatives. Some of the work performed on behalf of these public entities may include: 

• preparing bid packages
• evaluating proposals
• handling protests
• negotiating and issuing change orders
• ensuring compliance with state and local procurement standards

Because Irvine public projects can involve multiple public agencies, intergovernmental agreements, and other parties, it is critical to have good contract-management practices to deliver efficient, compliant results on public works projects. Good documentation habits, timely communication, and clear internal project administration help prevent disputes and keep projects moving forward.

False Claims & Government Investigations

Contractors who perform work on behalf of Orange County or Irvine agencies may be investigated for potential false claims violations. Billing issues, unsupported change order pricing, or misclassified labor can come under scrutiny by public agencies. Potential penalties could include civil and criminal penalties and debarment. Even unintentional violations can create exposure.

An investigation can include, but is not necessarily limited to: 

• Subpoenas
• Payroll record comparisons
• Witness interviews
• Document requests by local, state, or federal agencies.

Contractors who understand how materiality, documentation, and questions of intent are evaluated are better able to identify and address vulnerabilities in the event of an investigation. Correct and detailed recordkeeping, verifying backup for any billing, and internal consistency are key to maintaining eligibility for future public works projects in Irvine.

Hire a Public Works & Government Contracts Lawyer Today

A public works and government contract case in Irvine should be handled with an eye toward compliance, documentation, and performance standards. The sheer volume of infrastructure and Great Park projects currently in progress also means that potential issues are a very real possibility.

Whether you are considering submitting a bid, wondering about prevailing wage requirements, dealing with a DIR audit, or potentially facing false claims issues, competent legal advice can make a difference in protecting your interests and minimizing risk to your project. Hire a public works & government contracts lawyer with a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry and its specific legal issues.

Engels-Janzen can assess your situation, help you understand your options, and assist you in deciding how to proceed. When contractors and public entities have the right support, they are able to navigate procurement issues, contract administration, and regulatory requirements more effectively.

For assistance with your new Irvine public project or to resolve an active dispute, contact Engels-Janzen and schedule your consultation with an experienced attorney.