Contract Claims 101: Claim Sponsorship, Part 7
Claim sponsorship is one of the most important and frequently overlooked aspects of federal subcontracting. Because subcontractors generally lack privity of contract with the Government, their ability to pursue recovery for government-caused impacts often depends entirely on the prime contractor’s ability and willingness to sponsor a Contract Disputes Act (CDA) claim on the subcontractor’s behalf. As a result, the subcontract’s claim and dispute provisions can significantly affect whether a subcontractor can obtain meaningful relief and whether a prime contractor can . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: Common and Uncommon Claims and Appeals
Click here to view the recorded session. Contractors performing work for federal agencies operate under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and a distinct body of case law governing recovery in contract disputes—often diverging from traditional legal theories. Understanding both commonly asserted and less frequently used claims is critical to protecting your rights and positioning your organization for recovery. Join PilieroMazza’s Lauren Brier, Caitlin Trevillyan, and Jon Neri for the next installment in our Contract Claims 101 series. This session will explore key claims doctrines . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: Common Construction Appeal Theories, Part 6
While Parts 4 and 5 of this series explored both common and less common theories available to contractors pursuing claims against the federal government, many of which can arise in the construction context, there are more nuanced theories that often , intersect with those more familiar claims involving changes, delays, or defective specifications, presenting distinct legal and evidentiary considerations for construction contractors. Success typically depends on a contractor’s ability to develop a well-documented record demonstrating how specific government actions, omissions, . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: Uncommon Theories, Part 5
While it is likely only a matter of time before contractors working for federal agencies become familiar with the government contract claim issues discussed in Part 4 of our series (e.g., changes, delays, defective specifications, and terminations), it is equally important that contractors are also aware of the less common and often more difficult claim theories recognized by federal courts as well as boards authorized under the Contract Disputes Act (CDA). These claims are less common as they often flow . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: Common Theories, Part 4
Contractors working with federal agencies are governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”), which has its own body of case law that controls recovery for legal disputes separate from traditional theories. When projects shift, delays mount, or directives change, the claims process becomes critical to protecting a contractor’s rights and entitlement to additional costs. This post provides a practical overview of common government contract claims, how they arise, and how to position your company for successful resolution. While every contract . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: The Fundamentals of Contract Administration Disputes
Click here to view the recorded session. The Contract Disputes Act (CDA) provides the framework governing contract disputes between contractors and the government. Understanding the claims process is vital to better position contractors before moving forward into potential traps for the unwary. Join PilieroMazza’s Josie Farinelli, Abby Finan, and Kelly Kirchgasser as they break down the essentials of REAs, claims, and appeals, walking through the most common sources of disputes and the financial fundamentals every government contractor should understand. This webinar is designed to help . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: Financial Fundamentals, Part 3
We’re back for the third installment of PilieroMazza’s REAs, Claims, and Appeals Group’s “Contract Claims 101” series, introducing federal contractors to the basics of requests for equitable adjustment (REAs), claims, and appeals. This month, we’re defining the key terms underpinning the basic financial framework of government contract disputes. Financial rules can make or break a contractor’s recovery: Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) dictate how costs must be built, Contract Disputes Act (CDA) interest can influence the timing and value of settlements, and the . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: Common Disputes and How to Best Prepare for Them, Part 2
Last month, PilieroMazza’s REAs, Claims, and Appeals Group published the first blog in its “Contract Claims 101” series, introducing federal contractors to the basics of requests for equitable adjustment (REAs), claims, and appeals. This month, we’re analyzing the broad categories of contract administration disputes we expect to form the basis of federal contractors’ REAs, claims and appeals in 2026. In this second blog, we introduce federal contractors to disputes regarding stop work orders, terminations, and Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARs), and how best . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: REAs vs. Claims vs. Appeals, Part 1
What is a contract claim? How do I handle an issue with the government’s administration of my contract? Who do I contact when a project falls behind schedule, but it wasn’t my fault? These are common and critical questions that come up for government contractors—especially over the past year, in light of the Trump Administration’s sweeping changes to the federal acquisition landscape, an unprecedented federal government shutdown, and uncertainty surrounding award funding. In the coming months, PilieroMazza’s REAs, Claims, and . . . Read More
Competing at the Speed of Space: What Space Force’s Acquisition Shift Means for Government Contractors
Defense contracting is changing rapidly, and United States Space Force (USSF) procurements are no exception. In September 2025, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized that USSF cannot afford to maintain the status quo of “chasing perfection” and instead must shift toward building “minimum viable capability.” For contractors, that message is important: winning future USSF work may depend less on proposing a fully mature, long-duration solution and more on showing that the company can deliver a usable, mission-ready capability . . . Read More