From infrastructure and healthcare to national security and disaster relief, government procurement decisions shape our world. Professionals in procurement positively impact everyday lives in tangible and important ways, driving economic growth, innovation, and market access.
Government procurement is one of the most closely regulated areas of public law, with billions of taxpayer dollars at stake. Contracts for national defense, infrastructure, public health, and emergency services must meet strict legal, ethical, and procedural standards. Professionals in both government agencies and industries play a critical role in ensuring contract compliance, managing risk, and upholding fair bidding practices.
For those seeking to advance their careers without pursuing a career as an attorney, the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Government Procurement Law from George Washington (GW) Law offers a powerful credential. This article explains what government procurement is, who this MSL is designed for, and how it can open doors to leadership roles in compliance, risk management, and contracting.
Develop Government Procurement Skills With a GW Law MSL
Build Leadership Skills for the Acquisition Field
What Is Government Procurement and Why Does It Matter?
Government procurement is the process through which public agencies acquire goods and services. It covers everything from office supplies and IT systems to large-scale construction projects and emergency response services.
What sets government procurement apart from private-sector purchasing is the strict legal and ethical framework that governs it. Because public funds are involved, the process must prioritize competition, transparency, and accountability. More than just securing the best value, government procurement plays a vital role in ensuring fairness, preventing fraud, and meeting complex federal, state, and local regulations.
Recent high-profile cases highlight the legal complexities involved. In one instance, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) tried to transfer its entire Medical-Surgical Prime Vendor program, a contract valued between $10 billion and $27 billion, to the Defense Logistics Agency without opening the process to competition. A legal challenge followed, and a court ruled the move unlawful, granting permanent injunctive relief and awarding the plaintiff their bid preparation and proposal costs.
In another case, a contractor defrauded a state transportation program designed to help disadvantaged businesses by falsely claiming a disadvantaged business was completing part of the work. These examples underscore the importance of understanding and complying with procurement laws and regulations.
What Is a Procurement Specialist?
A procurement specialist plays a key role in managing government procurement contracts for public agencies. They oversee vendor selection, ensure compliance with regulations, and analyze costs to make sure contracts meet legal and financial standards.
What Does a Procurement Specialist Do?
Government procurement specialists are involved in every stage of the contracting process. They prepare solicitations, evaluate proposals, negotiate contract terms, and ensure compliance with regulations to help public agencies use funds responsibly and fairly.
Beyond core procurement tasks, they manage vendor performance, resolve contract or delivery issues, and track market trends that could impact future purchases.
Whether in federal defense, state infrastructure, or local health services, the role demands a strong understanding of legal requirements and strategic decision-making.
How GW Law’s MSL Prepares You for a Career in Government Procurement
GW Law’s Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Government Procurement Law offers in-depth government procurement training in government contracting, providing a strong foundation in both U.S. and international procurement systems. Designed for professionals who work with legal, contracting, or compliance teams—but are not pursuing a JD—the program equips non-lawyers with the knowledge to navigate the legal complexities of government procurement.
The curriculum covers essential topics, including:
- Foundational concepts of contracting
- Procurement law and regulations
- Ethics
- Negotiation
- Bid protests
- Contract compliance
Designed for working professionals, the MSL offers flexible full-time and part-time options in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats. A mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning allows students to balance their education with work and personal commitments.
Career Paths for MSL Graduates in Procurement Law
Graduates of GW Law’s MSL in Government Procurement Law are well-positioned for a range of roles in both the public and private sectors. Career paths include:
- Contracting officers or specialists (federal or state level) manage contracts to ensure compliance, adequate funding, fairness, and value for taxpayers. These professionals work across U.S. agencies and international organizations.
- Procurement analysts support public agencies by managing supply needs, evaluating vendors, analyzing costs, tracking inventory, and overseeing supplier performance to improve efficiency.
- Procurement compliance managers ensure purchasing activities align with legal and ethical standards by enforcing regulations and internal policies. They also lead training and compliance initiatives across departments.
- Government procurement consultants help businesses secure government procurement contracts by identifying opportunities, preparing compliant proposals, negotiating terms, and managing post-award obligations.
The MSL in Government Procurement Law opens doors in high-stakes fields such as defense, infrastructure, public health, and emergency response, where procurement decisions have a significant impact. Earning a government procurement certification from the National Contract Management Association can further enhance career prospects and professional credibility.
Why GW Law Sets the Standard in Government Procurement Education
GW Law is a national leader in government procurement education, offering a specialized Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Government Procurement Law designed for professionals in legal-adjacent roles. The program delivers comprehensive government procurement training, equipping students with the skills to navigate government procurement contracts and support agencies in meeting legal and policy obligations.
What truly sets GW Law apart is more than its curriculum. It’s the school’s long-standing leadership in the field, deep industry connections, and strategic location in Washington, D.C.
Powerful Alumni Base
Founded in 1865 as the first law school in Washington, D.C., GW Law boasts a large and active global alumni network engaged in social events, recruiting, and mentoring.
Expert Faculty
Courses are taught by leading legal scholars and seasoned practitioners from organizations such as the U.S. General Services Administration, Microsoft, and Google—professionals who remain actively engaged with key government and corporate stakeholders.
D.C. Advantage
Located in the nation’s capital, GW Law offers students a front-row seat to the country’s most influential legal and policy activity. Through connections with industry leaders and experiential learning opportunities, students gain practical insights that only come from learning at the center of federal decision-making.
Become a Go-To Expert in Government Procurement
If you work with government procurement contracts, you know the field’s complexity and the value of specialized expertise. GW Law’s MSL in Government Procurement Law gives professionals the legal insight and practical skills to lead high-stakes procurement efforts and advance their careers with confidence.
Curious if the program is right for you? Schedule a one-on-one overview with an enrollment adviser or take the first step and start your application today.