Taft recently won a contract dispute on behalf of BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Inc. (BAE NSR). The decision followed a five-day trial in the so-called “Rocket Docket” in the Eastern District of Virginia, reputed to be the fastest federal court docket in the country for complex commercial cases. The case arose out of the Navy’s implementation of its Heavy Weather Plan on the USS Tortuga (LSD 46) in response to Hurricane Dorian. BAE NSR sought delay damages for PMO (program, management, and organization) and temporary services costs as a result of having to implement the plan.

The court found that BAE NSR proved its production work was delayed by 11 days because of the Navy having implemented the plan. The court awarded BAE NSR its PMO damages plus interest at the rates allowed under the Contract Disputes Act.

The Taft team included attorneys Barbara Duncombe, Suzanne Sumner, Bill Wagner, Alex Wallin, and Stephen Darby.