A strong changes process answers four questions early: who can direct work, when written notice is due, how cost and schedule impact are documented, and how a Government-caused issue moves through the prime to the agency.
This hub covers the full lifecycle from field direction and constructive change through REA, sponsored claim, delay, acceleration, and settlement releases.
Recognize and Document the Change
Know who has authority to direct compensable changes.
When direction, interpretation, testing, access, or other conduct can materially change performance.
Segregate changed and unchanged cost while the facts are still visible.
Find short downstream notice periods before the field team misses them.
Move From Adjustment to Claim
The basic REA process and supporting documentation.
How a negotiation request differs from a formal CDA claim posture.
How a lower-tier Government-caused issue can move through the prime.
Contract terms to review when the prime controls access to the federal claim path.
Schedule, Site, and Performance Pressure
Cost minimization, restart, suspension, and equitable-adjustment mechanics.
Prompt notice and evidence preservation before physical conditions are disturbed.
Separate relief from default, time extensions, and compensable delay.
When the deadline stays fixed despite an asserted excusable or owner-caused delay.
Do Not Waive the Claim at the Finish Line
Modification and payment releases that can extinguish unresolved rights.
How to preserve position while contract language requires performance to continue.
Review delay allocation, causation, milestone dates, and downstream damage exposure.