[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 10, Volume 4] [Revised as of January 1, 2004] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 10CFR719.31] [Page 399] TITLE 10--ENERGY CHAPTER III--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY PART 719_CONTRACTOR LEGAL MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS--Table of Contents Subpart D_Reimbursement of Costs Subject to This Part Sec. 719.31 How does the Department determine whether fees are reasonable? In determining whether fees or rates charged by retained legal counsel are reasonable, the Department may consider: (a) Whether the lowest reasonably achievable fees or rates (including any currently available or negotiable discounts) were obtained from retained legal counsel; (b) Whether lower rates from other firms providing comparable services were available; (c) Whether alternative rate structures such as flat, contingent, and other innovative proposals, were considered; (d) The complexity of the legal matter and the expertise of the law firm in this area; and (e) The factors listed in Sec. 719.10(c).