“The immense power and spending of the federal government offers my clients tremendous opportunities and significant risks. My objective in contracting and procurement matters is to help my clients seize the former while advising them on keeping the latter at bay.”
David Hickey is a member in Dickinson Wright’s Washington, D.C., office, where he guides clients through the unique challenges of federal government contracting. His focus is on helping clients seize opportunities within federal programs while carefully managing the risks involved.
David’s background in private practice, in-house counsel, military service, and on Capitol Hill has shaped his practical approach. His strong negotiation skills and understanding of the federal landscape allow him to connect his clients’ goals with the realities of government policies and priorities. He is known for being a steady partner to clients across industries, including defense, aerospace, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and engineering.
As former in-house counsel at a global aerospace and defense company, David understands the pressures and responsibilities corporate counsel face. He provides clear, practical advice at every stage of the contracting process—from drafting agreements and handling bid protests to navigating compliance issues and defending against contract claims.
David helps clients stay on top of complex regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Department of Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS), cybersecurity requirements, and domestic sourcing standards under the Buy American and Trade Agreements Acts. He also advises on agreements like Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts, federal grants, and public-private partnerships, ensuring clients are well-prepared for high-stakes transactions.
Before becoming a lawyer, David served as a U.S. Army infantry officer and worked as a staff investigator for the U.S. Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. He also held a role managing congressional ethics responsibilities in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Education & Credentials
Education
The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
J.D., 1997Virginia Military Institute
B.A., 1988- Omicron Delta Epsilon International Honor Society for Economics
- ROTC scholarship recipient and distinguished graduate
Bar Admission
Prominent Assignments
- Retained by a parts supplier used in a weapons system utilized by the U.S. military to resolve complex government contracting issues.
- Successfully represented a global manufacturer in suspension and debarment proceedings resulting in no further action on the part of the federal government.
- Effectively negotiated a Request for Equitable Adjustment (REA) on behalf of a weapons manufacturer before the Department of Army resulting in schedule and price relief.
- Conducted dozens of internal investigations leading to enhanced compliance implementation and successful resolution of compliance issues with government regulators and customers.
- Assisted a medical equipment manufacturer with a response to an Inspector General investigation, resulting in a favorable outcome.
- Successfully represented an offeror in a GAO bid protest of a Department of Health and Human Services Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract ultimately resulting in a favorable award decision.
- Worked with a company to fully implement its government contracts ethics and compliance program upon award of federal contract by the Navy.
- Successfully negotiated hundreds of subcontracts on behalf of subcontractors awarded an agreement by a federal prime contractor.
- Represented a global information technology company in due diligence for the purchase of a government contractor selling to the military departments, the Department of Defense, and the General Services Administration.
- Represented Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned contractors in the construction industry in navigating cybersecurity (and CMMC) requirements under federal regulations.
- Supported a global entity in cyber-security response notifications and disclosures to federal and non-federal entities following a cyber incident.
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals–District of Columbia
- U.S. Court of Appeals–Federal Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals–Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- Supreme Court of Virginia