About Why Contract Warrior Exists and Who Benefits
Contract Warrior is a federal contracting podcast hosted by former DoD Contracting Officer Christopher Williams. Each episode explains how decisions are made on the Government side of federal construction and service contracts, helping contractors better understand risk, communication, and the realities behind contract execution. Produced by Defense Contract Shield.
What should you do when a federal construction project is ready to move but a Government response, submittal review, or technical clarification is still pending? Former contracting officer Christopher Williams explains a practical communication path for federal contractors: begin with a clear, cooperative email; use the project's RFI process when formal clarification is needed; and follow up or elevate through the contract's notice procedures when an issue remains unresolved or could affect performance.
This episode uses a pending submittal and planned mobilization as an example. It also explains why contractor quality control includes managing communication, how to keep the project record current, and why an RFI does not replace a required notice or authorize changed work.
Blog Post - https://defensecontractshield.com/what-to-do-when-government-does-not-respond/
This content is educational and is not legal advice. Contractors should review the specific contract, applicable clauses, delegations, and agency procedures and consult qualified professionals when necessary.
23 Oct 2026
The Third Most Important Submittal for Your Contracting Officer: The Baseline Schedule
From a contracting officer's perspective, the baseline schedule is one of the three major early submittals after award, alongside bonds and insurance. Former contracting officer Christopher Williams explains what the schedule tells the KO, why the technical team's review matters, and how a current schedule helps the Government understand the contractor's plan and progress.
This episode covers FAR 36.515 and FAR 52.236-15, when the schedule clause applies, what the clause says about submission and progress updates, and how schedule slippage can become a contract performance concern. The practical message: read the contract, provide a usable schedule, update progress as required, and communicate early when the plan changes.
Educational content only. Follow the requirements of the specific contract.
17 Oct 2026
First 30 Days After Award: When the Contracting Officer Gets Involved
What is your contracting officer watching during the first 30 days after award? Former contracting officer Christopher Williams explains why the KO generally relies on the construction management and technical team for daily oversight, and when startup problems or performance issues bring the KO back into the project.
This episode covers early meetings and mobilization, the schedule as a tool for the whole project team, and technical coordination that can signal a delay. The practical point is straightforward: keep the schedule current, communicate early, and explain how unresolved issues affect performance.
Educational content only. Follow the requirements of the specific contract.
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