Conflict resolution for the GovCon workforce
Northern Virginia runs on federal work, and so do its workplace conflicts: on-site teams caught between their company and their customer, primes and subs disagreeing about workshare, and program staff stretched thin before a recompete. I spent close to two decades in federal consulting, and I help these teams talk through problems privately and practically.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839Free and confidential · I reply within 1–2 business days · In person in Northern Virginia or by secure video
Where mediation helps
Whether you’re a small business, a mid-tier contractor, or a program team inside a large firm, I can help with conflicts like these.
Prime–sub relationships
Disagreements over workshare, staffing, communication, and expectations between teaming partners.
Program team conflict
Friction between program managers, technical leads, and staff working under deadline pressure.
Customer-site dynamics
Contractor employees navigating relationships at a government site, and the company leaders supporting them.
Joint venture & mentor-protégé teams
Partners who need to reset roles, decision-making, and communication.
Transitions & recompetes
Tension when contracts change hands, staff move between companies, or a team is restructured.
Leadership & founder disputes
Small GovCon firms where partners disagree about growth, pursuits, or exit.
A neutral who already speaks the language
From Tysons and Reston to Chantilly, Herndon, and the Route 28 corridor, Northern Virginia is home to a large share of the federal contracting workforce. I’ve worked in that world. I understand what a CPARS rating means to a program, why a key personnel change is a big deal, and how a cleared team’s schedule can make meeting difficult.
Sessions never require discussing classified or controlled information; we focus on working relationships, communication, and practical arrangements. I meet in person in Northern Virginia or by secure video, which helps teams spread across customer sites and offices.
A note for federal employees: agencies generally have their own alternative dispute resolution programs, and the formal EEO complaint process has strict deadlines. If you’re a federal employee with a potential EEO matter, talk with your agency’s EEO office or your own attorney first; private mediation doesn’t pause those timelines.
How it works
Consultation
A free, confidential 15-minute call to understand the issue and who should be at the table.
Intake & preparation
Private conversations with each party and a review of relevant documents, such as teaming agreements or policies.
Joint sessions
Structured, efficient sessions focused on interests and workable next steps.
Written agreement
A written summary of the terms the parties develop together, for each party’s attorney or contracts team to review.
Published pricing
Workplace matters use my employment pricing; company-to-company disputes such as teaming disagreements use business pricing:
- Employment mediation from $1,200 (Workplace Clarity Session), $2,800 (Full Dispute Resolution), or $4,200 (Complex).
- Business mediation from $1,400 (Business Clarity Session), $3,200 (Full), or $5,000 (Complex Commercial).
- Retainer starting at $1,500/month for organizations that want a neutral available on an ongoing basis.
- Fees can be paid by one organization or shared, as the parties agree.
Why work with Sara
Federal consulting is where I spent most of my career — close to two decades across national firms, enterprise technology implementations, and legal operations. I know the pressures of proposal season, program reviews, and teaming relationships from the inside.
As your mediator, I’m neutral. I don’t advise any company or employee, give legal advice, or weigh in on contract interpretation. I help the people involved find a workable path.
- J.D., University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law; George Mason University alum
- Close to two decades in federal consulting, legal operations, and organizational strategy
- Mediation training: 40-hour basic mediation, 24-hour family mediation, and a 4-hour Virginia Judicial System orientation
- Neutral by design: I don’t practice law, give legal advice, or represent either side
Federal contractor mediation questions
Can you mediate a dispute between a prime and a subcontractor?
Yes. Teaming and workshare disagreements are a good fit for mediation because they’re private and help preserve relationships you may need for the next pursuit.
Will we have to discuss classified information?
No. Mediation focuses on working relationships and practical arrangements. Sessions should never include classified or controlled information.
I’m a federal employee. Can I use your services?
Agencies generally have their own ADR programs, and the formal EEO process has strict deadlines that private mediation doesn’t pause. Please check with your EEO office or your own attorney before relying on outside mediation.
Is it confidential?
Generally, yes. Virginia law treats mediation communications as confidential, with limited exceptions. We can also agree in writing on what’s shared with leadership.
Do you give legal or contracts advice?
No. I’m a neutral mediator. Each party should rely on its own attorney or contracts team for advice.
More answers on the full FAQ page.
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Book a free, confidential 15-minute consultation, or call (703) 727-8839.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839