This prolonged government shutdown demands deliberate and careful attention from federal contractors. Protorae Law PLLC was proud to have Alan Chvotkin, a leader in our Government Contracts practice, serve as a featured expert at the October 10, 2025 WashingtonExec virtual seminar, “Federal Shutdown 2025 is Now Real, Not Just Hypothetical.” Alan provided a crucial briefing, emphasizing that circumstances could change rapidly, and contractors must stay on top of potential effects on their programs and contracts.  Key to proactive management is to closely watch the funding status of your specific contracts to guide your strategic decisions during the shutdown.

Prioritize Performance and Funding Awareness

Alan emphasized the critical importance of contract performance. Unless formally told to stop work, you must continue to perform all elements of your contract. This includes the timely submission of both invoices and required reports. 

Meticulous Documentation is Essential

Meticulous documentation is essential during this period. For each federal contract affected by the shutdown, Alan strongly advised contractors to separately track the time and expenses incurred. This dedicated effort to document costs is the foundation for any future requests for reimbursement.

Understand Claims and REA Deadlines

Finally, Alan provided a critical warning concerning recovery: Be aware of the strict timelines for submitting Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs) and formal claims once the shutdown ends. Missing these deadlines can irrevocably waive your right to recover costs associated with the shutdown’s impact.

Alan’s insights underscore the need for vigilance and legal strategy in the government contracting community. If you or your company need guidance or additional help navigating the impact of the shutdown on your federal contracts, please contact Alan Chvotkin and our Government Contracts team.