Can a small business file a T4C claim without an attorney?

Yes. There is no FAR requirement for legal representation in a T4C settlement. The process is administrative — you submit a document, negotiate a number with a government official, and sign an agreement. Many small businesses navigate this successfully without an attorney.

Where you do not need an attorney: Preparing and submitting the settlement proposal. Responding to routine TCO requests for additional information. Negotiating the settlement amount in good faith. Signing a standard settlement agreement.

Where an attorney adds value: (1) Your T4C termination is disputed — the government says it was actually a T4D. (2) The TCO has denied your proposal or a significant portion of it. (3) The settlement involves more than $250,000 and negotiations are contentious. (4) You need to file a claim under the Contract Disputes Act. (5) Your company has Cost Accounting Standards compliance issues affecting the claim. (6) You received a DCAA referral and disagree with audit findings.

The cost comparison: GovCon attorneys charge $300–$600 per hour. A settlement proposal prepared by a law firm costs $2,000–$8,000. For a $30,000 settlement claim, that is 7–27% of your recovery going to legal fees before you even negotiate.

T4CClaim produces the same document for $499. You can use the savings to retain an attorney if you hit a dispute — but most straightforward settlements never require one.

The rule of thumb: If the government owes you money and the dispute is over cost amounts (not the validity of the termination itself), you can likely handle it yourself with the right tools. If the government disputes its liability to pay, get an attorney.

RELATED GUIDES

• → What is a FAR 49.206 settlement proposal?
• → T4C settlement review timeline
• → FAR 49.207 contractor certification