Nicole is an Equity Partner at Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC. Nicole is also coauthor of the recently published GovCon handbook on “SBA Small Business Size and Affiliation Rules” and the “8(a) Program” handbook, as well.

Nicole’s practice focuses exclusively on federal government contract law. In this endeavor, Nicole draws on her civil litigation experience to zealously advocate for clients in several areas of government contracts litigation, including GAO bid protests and SBA size and status protests. Nicole was even featured in Forbes, providing her insight on the subject of cognitive bias grounds for bid protests. Establishing and maintaining quality client relations is and has always been of the upmost importance to Nicole—ask any one of her many long-term, valued clients here at Koprince.  

Nicole also leverages her intensive training in legal research and writing to assist clients in transactional needs, including a wide range of complex legal agreements. She is a meticulous drafter and reviewer, well-known for her perceptive eye and ability to identify and draft-to-avoid contractual issues that could potentially arise down the road.  

Nicole also utilizes her finely-tuned persuasive writing skills and polished understanding of SBA’s socioeconomic program requirements to assist clients with program admissions, certifications, and denial appeals. Nicole has a specialized knowledge and deep understanding of SBA’s 8(a) Program, as well as a passion for helping disadvantaged individuals utilize it. This inspired her to draft the 8(a) Handbook and her many 8(a) SmallGovCon blog posts; and it is what drives her in crafting her quality social disadvantage narratives that truly capture her clients’ stories. Nicole has a proven, successful
track record of assisting clients with these socially disadvantaged narratives, even with the strict standard of review SBA applies to such narratives. She was even featured in the Washington Post discussing the 8(a) Program, social disadvantage, and recent court decisions regarding the same.

Prior to joining Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC, Nicole worked in civil litigation, where she specialized in medical malpractice, railroad collisions, wrongful-death, traumatic brain injury, and product liability. In that position, Nicole represented clients in multi-million-dollar state and federal lawsuits. 

At Washburn University School of Law, Nicole served on the Washburn Intellectual Property Society and worked as a “Legal Analysis, Research, and Writing” teaching assistant and a research assistant for the head of the Washburn Government Law Department. There, her research and editing contributed to the American Bar Association’s Administrative and Regulatory Law News publication. Nicole received her B.A. from the University of Kansas, where she dual majored in psychology and biology.  

Here at Koprince, Nicole relies on her technical background, proficiency in legal analysis and writing, and her teaching skills to assist clients in navigating the intricacies of government contracts law. She spends most of her free time outdoors with her husband and two sons, where she enjoys hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and fishing. Nicole is a volunteer at a local animal rescue, which is how she ended up with a few dogs of her own. She is also an avid yogi and a fierce traveling kickball player. 

Nicole can be reached by telephone at (785) 200-8919 or by email at npottroff@koprince.com. 

Bar Admissions

• Kansas
• Missouri (inactive)
• U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Education

• J.D., Washburn University School of Law
• B.A., The University of Kansas

Professional Associations & Memberships

• Kansas Bar Association
• Missouri Bar Association

Speaking Engagements:

• “Legal Updates 2024”, Presenter & Attendee, NAPEX Fall Conference 2024, Washington D.C.
• “Understanding and Complying with the Nonmanufacturer Rule”, Co-Presenter, Govology Webinar 2024.
• “2023 Government Contracts Year-End Review”, Co-Presenter, Govology Webinar 2023.
• “Past Performance: A Critical Factor for Success in the Government Marketplace”, Co-Presenter, Govology Webinar 2024.
• “MyGovWatch Podcast“, Co-Panelist, 2024.
• “The Essentials for Small Business Government Contracting”, Co-Presenter, Allen Federal Business Partners, LLC, 2024.
• “Small Business Certifications”, Co-Presenter, Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship, 2024.
• “2023 Government Contracts Year-End Review”, Co-Presenter, Govology Webinar 2023.
• “Kansas APEX Accelerators-Encountering Innovation Conference”, Presenter, 2023
• “Oklahoma PTAC – Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network ICBS Show”, Oklahoma City, Presenter 2023.
• “MyGovWatch Live: The B2G Roundtable with Nick Bernardo, Panelist, 2023.
• “Using Mentor-Protege Program and Joint Ventures as a Strategy to Grow Your Small Business”, Presenter, Corporate Partner Advisory Group (CPAG) Webinar, 2023.
• “Impact of the 8(a) Program Changes”, Panelist, WeConnect International Podcast, 2023.
• “Best Practices for Submitting a Social Disadvantage Narrative for the 8(a) Program”, Panelist, GovCon Coffee & Issues- Govology Podcast 2023.
• “Ethics in Federal Government Contracting”, Presenter, Govology Webinar 2023.
• “Reverse Industry Day – Protests”, Co-Presenter, Professional Services Council Webinar, 2023.
• “Fundamentals of Contracting for Small & Medium Businesses”, Panelist, Allen Federal Business Partners webinar, 2023.
• “Still A Game Changer: The SBA Mentor-Protege Program (2023 Update)”, Co-Presenter, Govology 2023.
• “Limitations on Subcontracting and the Nonmanufacturers Rule”, Co-Presenter, Texas El Paso APEX Accelerators, 2023.
• “Issues With Being “The Middle Man””, Panelist, GovCon Coffee & Issues Podcast- Govology 2023.
• “MyGovWatch.com”, Panelist, Podcast 2023.
• “Understanding and Obtaining HUBZone Certification (2023 Update), Co-Presenter, Govology 2023.
• “The Essentials for Small Business Government Contracting”, Co-Presenter, Allen Federal Business Partners 2023 Webinar
• “Communicating with Government Contracting Officials_ What Can (and Should) Contractors Really Say and Do (2022 Update)”, Co-Presenter, 2022 Govology Webinar
• “Buy American Act”, Co-Presenter, 2022 Nebraska PTAC -University of Nebraska at Omaha Webinar
• “Webinar: Fundamentals of Contracting for Small & Medium Businesses”, Presenter, 2022 Allen Federal Business Partners, LLC Webinar
• “Communicating with the Contracting Officer”, Presenter, 2022 Pennsylvania PTAC: Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission PTAC Webinar
• “Joint Venture Agreements”, Presenter, 2022 Tennessee PTAC -UT at Oak Ridge Webinar
• “The B2G Roundtable-Answers to Questions about RFPs & More”, 2022 Interview with MyGovWatch.com
• “Non-manufacturing Rule”, Co-Presenter, 2022 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Webinar
• “Compliant and Effective Teaming Agreements, Joint Ventures & Subcontracts (Three-Part Series)”, Co-Presenter, 2022 Govology Webinar
• “Government Contracting Updates”, Co-Presenter, 2022 Nebraska PTAC -University of Nebraska at Omaha Webinar
• “Top 10 Legal Misconceptions in Federal Contracting & Pending Legal Changes”, Co-Presenter, 2022 Ohio PTAC Webinar
• “FAR Supplement – AFFARS – Air Force”, Presenter, 2022 Jennifer Schaus & Associates Webinar
• “FAR Supplement – AFARS – Army”, Co-Presenter, 2022 Jennifer Schaus & Associates Webinar
• “The B2G Roundtable-Answers to Questions About RFP’s and More”, Panelist, MyGovWatch Live Webinar Series
• “Government Contracting Updates”, Presenter, Webinar from University of Nebraska Omaha PTAC 2022
• “Top 10 Legal Misconceptions in Federal Contracting and Pending Legal Changes”, Co-Presenter, 2022 Ohio PTA
• ” FAR Supplement – AFFARS- Air Force”, Co-Presenter, 2022 Jennifer Schaus Webinar
• “FAR Department Supplement – AFARS – Army”, Panelist, 2022 Jennifer Schaus Webinar
• “Non-manufacturer Rule & Limitations on Subcontracting”, Co-Presenter, 2022, SBA El Paso
• “Government Contracting Updates”, Webinar from University of Nebraska Omaha PTAC 2022
• “Top 21 Legal Mistakes and Changes in Federal Government Contracting”, Co-Presenter, 2021 Kansas PTAC
• “Past Performance in Government Contracting” Co-Presenter, 2021 Govology Webinar
• “Non-Manufacturer Rule in Federal Government Contracting ” Co-Presenter, 2021 Iowa PTAC
• “Top 21 Legal Mistakes in Federal Government Contracting”, Co-Presenter, 2021 Govology Webinar
• “WOSB/EDWOSB Contracting Program”. Co-Presenter, 2021 SBA Webinar
• “The Ins and Outs of Federal Disadvantaged Businesses”, Co-Presenter, 2021 Govology Webinar
• “Limitations on Subcontracting: A Step-by-Step Compliance Guide”, Co-Presenter, 2021 Govology Webinar
• “Joint Ventures”, Co-Presenter, 2021 Nebraska PTAC Webinar
• “Compliant and Effective Teaming Agreements, Joint Ventures & Subcontracts (Three-Part Series)”, Co-Presenter, 2021 Govology Webinar
• “Understanding & Obtaining the SBA’s WOSB & EDWOSB Certifications”, Co-Presenter, 2020 Texas PTAC
• “SBA’s Affiliation Rules”, Co-Presenter, 2020 Iowa PTAC
• “Still a Game Changer: The SBA’s All Small Mentor-Protege Program (2021 Update).” Co-Presenter. 2021 Govology Webinar.
• “8(a) Joint Ventures.” Co-Presenter. 2021 SBA Training Webinar, El Paso District Office.
• “10 Myths of Selling To The Government.” Guest Presenter, 2020 The GovCast Podcast
• “Understanding and Obtaining the SBA’s WOSB and EDWOSB Certifications.” Co-Presenter, 2020 Govology Webinar
• “Buy American Act, Berry Amendment, and Trade Agreements Act.” Co-Presenter, 2020 Govology Webinar
• “Affiliations”, Co-Presenter, 2020 Iowa State University Center for Industrial Research and Service PTAC Webinar

Recent Publications:

• “SBA initiates “Seismic shift” in small business contracting”, Interviewed and quoted in Federal News Network, 2024.
• “Are Mentor-Protégé Joint Ventures Just Too Successful, Asks SBA”, SmallGovCon 2024.
• “Common Misconceptions: SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program (Part II – Participation Rules & Limits)”, SmallGovCon 2024.
• “Back to Basics: Similarly Situated Entities”, SmallGovCon 2024.
• “OHA Sustains Status Protest: Self-Proclaimed SDVOSB Awardee Not Certified by VetCert, Not Eligible For SBA’s Grace Period, and Not Veteran Owned or Controlled”, SmallGovCon 2024. 
• “Why File: A VOSB or SDVOSB Status Protest”, SmallGovCon 2024. 
• “Why File: A Size Protest”, SmallGovCon 2024. 
• “SBA’s 2023 Update: Demonstrating 8(a) Social Disadvantage”, SmallGovCon 2023. 
• “SBA and Industry Leaders Reaffirm Support for 8(a) Program in Light of Recent Judicial Attacks”, SmallGovCon 2023. 
• “8(a) Social Disadvantage Narratives: What SBA is Looking For-Now, From ALL Individually- Owned 8(a) Applicants and Participants”, SmallGovCon 2023.
• “Update: SBA Opens Certify Portal for Social Disadvantage Narrative Uploads by Current 8(a) Participants Not Pending 8(a) Award”, SmallGovCon 2023. 
• “First OHA HUBZone Appeal Debuts on the Docket”, SmallGovCon 2023.
• “SBA program upended in wake of Supreme Court affirmative action ruling”, The Washington Post 2023.
• “SBA Revisions to the “Two-Year Rule” for Joint Ventures: a Reminder to Read the Entire Rule”, SmallGovCon 2023.
• “GAO Sustains Protest to GSA Strategic National Stockpile Acquisition Based on Agency’s Failure to Conduct Meaningful Discussions”, SmallGovCon 2023. 
• “Size Standards Applicable to SBA’s Socioeconomic Programs”, SmallGovCon 2023.
• “Back to Basics: GAO’s Protest Timeliness Rules”, SmallGovCon 2023. 
• “OHA: A Manufacturer Must Own or Lease Facilities to Qualify”, SmallGovCon 2023.
• “Technically Unacceptable Offeror Cannot Protest Awardee’s Size, Says OHA”, SmallGovCon 2023. 
• “Prevent Costly Procurement Disasters: 6 Science-Backed Techniques for Bias-Free Decision Making”, Forbes.com 2023.
• “Back to Basics: Teaming Agreements”, SmallGovCon 2023.
• “SBA Final Rule Updates Employee-Based Size Standards, but not for Nonmanufacturer Rule”, SmallGovCon 2023.  
• “Congressional Research Service Report Discusses Emergency-Related Acquisition Flexibilities, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”, SmallGovCon 2023. 
• “Final FAR Amendment Encourages Procuring Agencies to Engage with Industry”, SmallGovCon 2022. 
• “Agencies Do Not Have Unlimited Discretion to Cancel Solicitations, Says the COFC”, SmallGovCon 2022. 
• “Who You Gonna Call? Your Contracting Officer”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “Who You Gonna Call? Your Contracting Officer (Part 2)”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “Who You Gonna Call? Your Contracting Officer (Part 3)”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “Back to Basics: Types of Affiliation”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “Back to Basics: Affiliation, An Overview”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “Upcoming SBA Rule will Switch to 24-Month Calculation for Employee Size Standards”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “Back to Basics: WOSB Eligibility”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “GAO Sustains Protest to Solicitation’s Implementation of Randolph-Sheppard Act”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “Back to Basics: 8(a) Program Eligibility”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “SBA’s Approach to Monitoring 8(a) Firms is Focused on Eligibility Rather than Business Development, Says SBA’s OIG”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “SBA Proposes to Eliminate Some NonManufacturer Rule Class Waivers”, SmallGovCon 2022.
• “Can’t Pad Key Personnel Résumé, Says GAO.” SmallGovCon, 2022.
• “FAR Council Seeks to Address Climate Change in Federal Contracting.” SmallGovCon, 2022.
• “Picking Your Team: Joint Ventures Versus Prime/Subcontractor Teams (Part Three, Relationships).” SmallGovCon, 2022.
• “Final 2022 NDAA Draft Allows HUBZone Appeals.” SmallGovCon, 2022.

YouTube Videos

• “GAO Task Order Jurisdiction.”  YouTube 2020
• “8(a) Eligibility, Appealing Denials.” YouTube 2020
• “The CICA Stay of Performance.” YouTube, 2020.
• “Writing Your 8(a) Application’s Social Disadvantage Narrative: What the SBA is Looking For.” YouTube, 2019.
• “Data Rights Protection: Avoiding the Unlimited Government Rights Default.” YouTube, 2019.

Representative Matters

• Drafted numerous social disadvantage narratives for 8(a) Program applications.
• Drafted successful OHA Appeal of 8(a) Program denial.
• Drafted supplemental protest for originally-pro se protester resulting in corrective action in $40 million procurement.  
• Prepared SBA OHA Size Protest raising affiliation issues such as ostensible subcontractor affiliation.
• Drafted Intervenor Responses to SBA OHA Size Protests defending issues such as ownership and control.
• Served as primary drafter of a successful pre-award protest challenging the small business set-aside designation’s conformity with the Rule of Two.
• Participated on briefing team for GAO bid protest in a $100 million procurement challenging various issues with the agency’s evaluation.
• Served as primary drafter of numerous GAO bid protests to the terms of solicitations and contract awards.
• Prepared Intervenor Comments for GAO bid protest challenging agency awards.
• Drafted joint venture agreements for SDVOSB, VOSB, EDWOSB, WOSB, 8(a) Program, and small business set-aside procurements.
• Prepared operating agreements for small businesses and small business joint ventures focused on incorporating specific client needs while maintaining SBA regulation-compliance.