Contract Disputes Act

The Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (CDA) establishes uniform procedures for resolving government contract disputes. It provides a structured process that promotes fairness, consistency, and predictability. Contractors and the government are encouraged to resolve claims and disputes in good faith at the earliest possible stage.

A claim under the CDA begins with the Contracting Officer, who issues a Contracting Officer’s Final Decision on the merits. A contractor dissatisfied with that decision may appeal to either the Board of Contract Appeals or the United States Court of Federal Claims. Decisions from either forum may be appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The final level of review lies with the Supreme Court of the United States.

[Last reviewed in August of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Keywords

government contracts

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