David T. Hickey

“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.