The Changes Clause — One-Day Essentials
The one clause that lets the government change the deal after it's signed — and the rules that decide who pays for it.
This course covers the changes clause from the ground up. We start with what the clause allows the government to do, and the different versions of it by contract type — fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, construction, and R&D — each with its own rules. From there we move to the two concepts that cause the most trouble because they live outside a formal change order: constructive changes, where government conduct effectively changes the work without anyone signing a change order, and cardinal changes, where a change goes so far beyond the scope that it breaches the contract. Then we turn to the equitable adjustment itself — how to document it, how to negotiate it, and the mechanics that make it final. Throughout, we learn how to navigate RFO FAR Part 43, its Practitioner Album, and the FAR Companion, so every participant can find the answers they need in this quickly changing regulatory landscape.
This course is taught by Melinda Milheim, JD, who spent her federal career in the acquisition workforce. She served as a Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer's Representative for the U.S. Navy and the Department of Health and Human Services / Indian Health Service, where she worked on more than $7.7 billion in federal contracts, mainly in services spanning RDT&E, engineering, medical, and major weapon-system programs. She draws on that experience, along with her law degree and MBA studies, to teach the why behind the how — so participants leave with sharper judgment, not just a stack of slides. An award-winning DAU/WarU (DAWIA and FAI) instructor, she has taught more than 1,000 federal acquisition workforce students across 20-plus agencies.
Best for: contracting officers, contract specialists, CORs, and program and project managers who want to issue, recognize, and price contract changes with confidence and precision.
Format: Available as a one-day course, delivered in person or virtually. Eligible attendees earn 8 CLPs. A note on CLPs: This course earns continuous learning points (CLPs) that both defense (DAWIA) and civilian (FAC-C, FAC-COR, and FAC-P/PM) acquisition professionals can apply toward the continuous learning required to maintain certification. Because agencies set their own rules on what qualifies for CLP credit, check with your Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) or component training office to confirm how it applies to your plan.
Phoenix Canyon also offers companion courses: Contract Disputes — One-Day Essentials, Contract Terminations — One Day Essentials, and Bid Protests— One-Day Essentials for those who would like additional expertise.
Pricing is set per engagement. Contact Phoenix Canyon to request a quote.
The one clause that lets the government change the deal after it's signed — and the rules that decide who pays for it.
This course covers the changes clause from the ground up. We start with what the clause allows the government to do, and the different versions of it by contract type — fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, construction, and R&D — each with its own rules. From there we move to the two concepts that cause the most trouble because they live outside a formal change order: constructive changes, where government conduct effectively changes the work without anyone signing a change order, and cardinal changes, where a change goes so far beyond the scope that it breaches the contract. Then we turn to the equitable adjustment itself — how to document it, how to negotiate it, and the mechanics that make it final. Throughout, we learn how to navigate RFO FAR Part 43, its Practitioner Album, and the FAR Companion, so every participant can find the answers they need in this quickly changing regulatory landscape.
This course is taught by Melinda Milheim, JD, who spent her federal career in the acquisition workforce. She served as a Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer's Representative for the U.S. Navy and the Department of Health and Human Services / Indian Health Service, where she worked on more than $7.7 billion in federal contracts, mainly in services spanning RDT&E, engineering, medical, and major weapon-system programs. She draws on that experience, along with her law degree and MBA studies, to teach the why behind the how — so participants leave with sharper judgment, not just a stack of slides. An award-winning DAU/WarU (DAWIA and FAI) instructor, she has taught more than 1,000 federal acquisition workforce students across 20-plus agencies.
Best for: contracting officers, contract specialists, CORs, and program and project managers who want to issue, recognize, and price contract changes with confidence and precision.
Format: Available as a one-day course, delivered in person or virtually. Eligible attendees earn 8 CLPs. A note on CLPs: This course earns continuous learning points (CLPs) that both defense (DAWIA) and civilian (FAC-C, FAC-COR, and FAC-P/PM) acquisition professionals can apply toward the continuous learning required to maintain certification. Because agencies set their own rules on what qualifies for CLP credit, check with your Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) or component training office to confirm how it applies to your plan.
Phoenix Canyon also offers companion courses: Contract Disputes — One-Day Essentials, Contract Terminations — One Day Essentials, and Bid Protests— One-Day Essentials for those who would like additional expertise.
Pricing is set per engagement. Contact Phoenix Canyon to request a quote.