HKA is proud to announce that Jim Thomas has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Howard H. Cork Memorial Award, presented by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Procurement Division, in recognition of his exceptional service and enduring contributions to the government contracts community. 

“Jim’s deep expertise and tireless advocacy for integrity and excellence in government contracting have made a lasting impact on the industry. We are proud to see his contributions honored with the Howard H. Cork Memorial Award—a testament to his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the defense procurement community.”

Jeff DuVal, Partner, Government Contracts Lead 

Jim has more than 40 years of experience helping organizations navigate the complexities of doing business with the federal government. He is a Partner in HKA’s Government Contracts Practice, where he specializes in cost and pricing matters, government audit issues, False Claims Act damages, defective pricing, labor charging, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), cost allowability, and Federal Supply Schedule contracts. 

A Certified Public Accountant licensed in Virginia and the District of Columbia, Jim has been retained as an expert in more than 50 matters, including disputes exceeding $100 million. He has testified before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, the General Services Board of Contract Appeals, U.S. District Courts, Circuit Courts, and in arbitration. He has also served as a neutral accountant in purchase price disputes involving government contract accounting issues. 

Jim’s expertise spans a wide range of industries, including aerospace and defense, technology, engineering and professional services, industrial products, construction, retail, and healthcare. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and has published extensively on government contract cost and pricing matters. Having earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Penn State University, he is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and an associate member of the American Bar Association. 

“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Howard H. Cork Memorial Award. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside dedicated professionals who share a commitment to improving the federal government’s procurement process. This recognition is deeply meaningful, and I’m grateful to NDIA and my colleagues at HKA for their continued support.”

Jim Thomas, Partner, Government Contracts Lead 

The Howard H. Cork Memorial Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional service to NDIA’s Procurement Division and made significant contributions to the defense procurement community. Jim joins a distinguished group of past recipients who have helped shape the future of defense acquisition. 

For more information about the NDIA Procurement Division and its awards, please visit https://www.ndia.org/. 

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About HKA’s Government Contracting practice 

HKA has a successful track record advising government contractors and their counsel on aerospace and defense, technology, media and telecoms, life sciences and healthcare, and professional services matters. 

HKA assists clients in handling complex issues related to requests for equitable adjustment, certified claims, contracting officer’s final decision appeals, prime contractor and subcontractor disputes, termination settlement proposals, bid protest assistance, bribery and anti-corruption, compliance and risk management, investigations, and grants and agreements. 

The firm’s Government Contracting and Compliance team members provide expert witness testimony at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, and other state and federal courts. 

Learn more about HKA’s Government Contracting services. 

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Media contact 

Name	Andrew J. Katz, CPSM
Title	Marketing and Communications Director, Americas
Number	+1 215 962 1136
Email	andrewkatz@hka.com