Coming on the heels of its extensive role in the drafting and passage of the Safety Act, McKenna Long & Aldridge LLPhas assembled the Patriot Coalition, a broad coalition of interested contractors . MLA is helping the Patriot Coalition (Providers of Anti-Terror Research, Innovations or Technology) implement and interpret the regulations required by the “Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technology Act of 2002. (‘The Safety Act’).
The Safety Act is landmark legislation included within the Homeland Security Act of 2002. For the first time, the act codifies the “government contractor defense” in addition to providing extensive relief from punitive damages for providers of qualified anti-terror products and services. Contractors whose anti-terror products and services are certified under the SAFETY Act will be able to significantly reduce the product liability risks associated with such technology.
To date, the coalition counts a dozen members, ranging from large government contractors to university research consortia to small businesses. MLA is working with the White House and members of Congress to ensure that the coalition’s interests are taken into account by the regulators. MLA has submitted draft regulations to the Office of Management and Budget on behalf of the coalition. In addition, MLA provides the coalition with regular updates on the latest developments on Capitol Hill and in the executive branch on programs, appropriations and deliberations affecting the Safety Act.
