Addie Cliffe is a partner at Crowell & Moring, where she helps companies in a broad range of industries—from professional services, software, and technology to traditional defense contracting—navigate the complex requirements around doing business with the U.S. government, with a particular focus on cross-border and national security issues. In addition, Cliff advises clients on regulatory issues related to foreign investment in the United States, representing clients with respect to national security reviews by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and measures to mitigate foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI mitigation).

Cliff is known for providing practical, business-forward guidance across a broad range of counseling, transactional, and litigation matters with respect to government contracts, international trade, and national security. She helps companies new to the government contracting space stand up robust compliance programs. She also helps long-standing government contractors enhance their compliance programs and address some of the most complex regulatory requirements, including domestic preferences, supply chain security, and industrial security related to classified contracting.

In addition, Cliff has substantial experience representing contractors in internal and external investigations, voluntary and mandatory disclosures, and responding to government investigations and claims. Clients regularly rely on her to help them navigate and resolve issues, including with respect to Federal Supply Schedules with the General Services Administration, export controls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the Buy American Act, and the Trade Agreements Act.

Cliff has deep experience in M&A and transactions for both the buy side (strategic and private equity) and sell side, leading government contracts and national security due diligence, and advising on the special regulatory requirements related to government contracting, cross-border investment, and national security issues. She takes a holistic approach to transactions, providing strategic guidance from the early stages through integration.

Cliff is a co-chair of the Government Contracts Practice, co-chairs the firm’s National Security team, and is co-chair of the Talent Development Committee. She is nationally ranked by Chambers USA in Government Contracts, and was recognized in 2024 by DCA Live as one of the NEW Power Women of GovCon.