General Order Regarding January 9th Closure (Posted January 2, 2025)
The United States Court of Federal Claims will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in observance of the National Day of Mourning for James Earl Carter, the thirty-ninth President of the United States.
General Order Regarding November 29th Closure (Posted October 29, 2024)
The United States Court of Federal Claims will be closed on Friday, November 29, 2024.
General Order Regarding July 5th, Closure (Posted June 27, 2024)
The United States Court of Federal Claims will be closed on Friday, July 5, 2024.
General Order: Procedures for the Requesting, Filing, and Management of Highly Sensitive Documents (Posted May 30, 2024)
Federal courts are updating their security procedures to uniformly protect highly sensitive documents (HSDs), a narrow subset of sealed documents that must, for their protection, be stored outside the court’s electronic filing system. The court finds that pursuant to Rule 5(d)(3)(A) of the Rules of the United States Court of Federal Claims (RCFC), good cause exists to permit nonelectronic filing of HSDs as defined herein. Therefore, effective immediately and until further order of the court,
IT IS ORDERED that HSDs will be filed and served in paper form (or, if digital media, on a secure electronic device, such as a flash drive), in accordance with this General Order, and will be maintained by the clerk’s office in a secure filing system that is separate from the court’s electronic filing system. This General Order supersedes any and all prior court orders concerning HSDs.
General Order Regarding 2023 Holiday Closings (Posted October 23, 2023)
The United States Court of Federal Claims will be closed on Friday, November 24, 2023.
Rescinding General Order No. 2022-01: Procedure for Electronic Filing in Pro Se Cases (Posted July 31, 2023)
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2071(e) and the July 31, 2023, Notice of Adoption of amendments to the Rules of the United States Court of Federal Claims (RCFC), it is hereby ORDERED that General Order No. 2022-01 (Sept. 12, 2022), is rescinded effective July 31, 2023.
Joint Administrative Order Updated National Courts Building Protocols (Posted November 09, 2022)
Masks are no longer required to enter the National Courts Building.
General Order Regarding 2022 Holiday Closings (Posted October 31, 2022)
The United States Court of Federal Claims will be closed on Friday, November 25, 2022. Additionally, the Court will close at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, December 23, 2022.
Updated Order Continuing Suspension of Paper Filing Requirements in Pro Se Cases (Posted September 12, 2022)
Based on declared public health emergencies impacting Washington, D.C. and the National Capital Region, and ongoing efforts to mitigate community transmission and the impact of COVID-19, the United States Court of Federal Claims continues to take steps to limit the number of court personnel who are required to be available to process filings submitted through the U.S. Postal Service, by messenger, or in the court's night box.
Joint Administrative Order Reopening the National Courts Building (Posted September 9, 2022)
On September 9, 2022, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order reopening the National Courts Building to the public effective Monday, September 12. Note that N-95, KN-95, or KF-94 masks are still required in public areas.
New Order requiring N-95, KN-95, or KF-95 Masks in the Building (Posted January 18, 2022)
On January 18, 2022, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building until further notice and requiring the use of N-95, KN-95, or KF-95 masks in all public areas inside the building.
General Order Regarding 2021 Holiday Closings (Posted November 09, 2021)
The United States Court of Federal Claims will be closed on Friday, November 26, 2021. Additionally, the Court will close at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, December 23, 2021.
Order Restricting Access to the Courthouse until Further Notice (Posted October 25, 2021)
On October 26, 2021, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building until further notice.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the Courthouse through October 31, 2021 (Posted August 27, 2021)
On August 27, 2021, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building through October 31, 2021.
Order Modifying Restricted Access to the Courthouse through August 31, 2021 (Posted July 30, 2021)
On July 30, 2021, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order modifying restricted access to the National Courts Building through August 31, 2021.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the Courthouse through August 31, 2021 (Posted June 28, 2021)
On June 28, 2021, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building through August 31, 2021.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the Courthouse through June 30, 2021 (Posted May 22, 2021)
On May 22, 2021, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building through June 30, 2021.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the Courthouse through May 31, 2021 (Posted April 27, 2021)
On April 27, 2021, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building through May 31, 2021.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the Courthouse through April 30, 2021 (Posted March 25, 2021)
On March 25, 2021, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building through April 30, 2021.
Amended General Order: Procedures for the Filing, Service, and Management of Highly Sensitive Documents (Posted March 9, 2021)
In response to recent disclosures of wide-spread breaches of both private sector and government computer systems, federal courts are immediately adding new security procedures to protect highly sensitive documents filed with the courts. The court finds that pursuant to Rule 5(d)(3)(A) of the Rules of the United States Court of Federal Claims (RCFC), good cause exists to require all parties to file certain highly sensitive documents outside of the court’s electronic filing system. Therefore, effective immediately and until further order of the court,
IT IS ORDERED THAT the filing of certain highly sensitive documents shall be subject to the procedures and requirements set forth below. This General Order supersedes any and all inconsistent provisions in the RCFC or other general orders of this court.
Reissued Amended Order Continuing Suspension of Paper Filing Requirements in Pro Se Cases (Posted March 3, 2021) **RESCINDED 7/31/2023**
Based on declared public health emergencies impacting Washington, D.C. and the National Capital Region, and ongoing efforts to mitigate community transmission and the impact of COVID-19, the United States Court of Federal Claims continues to take steps to limit the number of court personnel who are required to be available to process filings submitted through the U.S. Postal Service, by messenger, or in the court's night box.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the Courthouse through March 31, 2021 (Posted February 26, 2021)
On February 26, 2021, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building through March 31, 2021.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the Courthouse through February 28, 2021 (Posted January 15, 2021)
On January 15, 2021, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building through February 28, 2021.
Order Modifying Procedures for Paper Filings (Posted January 13, 2021)
Due to conditions in the vicinity of the National Courts Building in Washington, D.C. that may impact pedestrian and vehicular access for in-person, courier, or third-party commercial carriers, the court is modifying procedures for paper filings from January 14-21, 2021.
General Order: Procedures for the Filing, Service, and Management of Highly Sensitive Documents (Posted January 12, 2021) **AMENDED 3/9/2021**
In response to recent disclosures of wide-spread breaches of both private sector and government computer systems, federal courts are immediately adding new security procedures to protect highly sensitive documents filed with the courts. The court finds that pursuant to Rule 5(d)(3)(A) of the Rules of the United States Court of Federal Claims (RCFC), good cause exists to require all parties to file certain highly sensitive documents outside of the court’s electronic filing system. Therefore, effective immediately and until further order of the court,
IT IS ORDERED THAT the filing of certain highly sensitive documents shall be subject to the procedures and requirements set forth below. This General Order supersedes any and all inconsistent provisions in the RCFC or other general orders of this court.
Amended Order Continuing Suspension of Paper Filing Requirements in Pro Se Cases (Posted December 23, 2020) **REISSUED 3/3/2021**
Based on declared public health emergencies impacting Washington, D.C. and the National Capital Region, and ongoing efforts to mitigate community transmission and the impact of COVID-19, the United States Court of Federal Claims continues to take steps to limit the number of court personnel who are required to be available to process filings submitted through the U.S. Postal Service, by messenger, or in the court's night box.
General Order Regarding Holiday Closings (Posted December 7, 2020)
The United States Court of Federal Claims will be closed on Thursday, December 24, 2020, and Thursday, December 31, 2020.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the Courthouse through January 24, 2021 (Posted November 20, 2020)
On November 20, 2020, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building through January 24, 2021.
Order Continuing Suspension of Paper Filing Requirements in Pro Se Cases (Posted November 13, 2020) **AMENDED 12/23/2020**
Based on declared public health emergencies impacting Washington, D.C. and the National Capital Region, and ongoing efforts to mitigate community transmission and the impact of COVID-19, the United States Court of Federal Claims continues to take steps to limit the number of court personnel who are required to be available to process filings submitted through the U.S. Postal Service, by messenger, or in the court's night box.
Order Restoring Procedures for Paper Filings (Posted November 13, 2020)
On November 2, 2020, the court issued an order modifying the procedures for paper filings due to conditions in Washington, D.C. that were anticipated to impact pedestrian and vehicular access to the National Courts Building. These conditions have resolved.
Order Authorizing the Use of Zoom for Government (Posted November 10, 2020)
In accordance with updated guidance from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, and considering Zoom for Government has received a FedRAMP Authorization to Operate (ATO), Zoom may now be used at the United States Court of Federal Claims.
Order Modifying Procedures for Paper Filings (Posted November 2, 2020) **RESCINDED 11/13/2020**
Effective at 12:01 a.m. on November 3, 2020, the process for paper filings is modified until further notice.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the Courthouse through November 22, 2020 (Posted October 19, 2020)
On October 19, 2020, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building through November 22, 2020.
Order Closing the Court on Friday, November 27, 2020 (Posted October 9, 2020)
The United States Court of Federal Claims will be closed on Friday, November 27, 2020.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the Courthouse until October 19, 2020 (Posted September 11, 2020)
On September 11, 2020, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building until October 19, 2020.
Order Extending Restricted Access to the NCB until September 14, 2020 (Posted August 13, 2020)
On August 13, 2020, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order extending restricted access to the National Courts Building until September 14, 2020.
Order Requiring Face Coverings in the National Courts Building (Posted July 13, 2020)
On July 13, 2020, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order requiring face coverings in the National Courts Building until August 14, 2020.
Order Restricting Access to the National Courts Building until August 14, 2020 (Posted June 26, 2020)
On June 26, 2020, the Chief Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a joint administrative order restricting access to the National Courts Building until August 14, 2020.
Administrative Order re: In-Person Proceedings (Posted June 5, 2020)
On June 5, 2020, Chief Judge Margaret Sweeney amended the previous Order of May 12, 2020, extending the suspension of in-person proceedings until July 6, 2020.
Court Closed through Monday, June 8, 2020 (Posted June 5, 2020)
The National Courts Building will be inaccessible and the United States Court of Federal Claims will therefore be closed through Monday, June 8, 2020. For purposes of computation of time under Rule 6 of the Rules of the United States Court of Federal Claims (RCFC), Friday, June 5, 2020 and Monday, June 8, 2020 shall be treated in the same manner as a legal holiday. See RCFC 6(a)(6).
Prohibition on the Use of Zoom with Judiciary Resources (Posted May 21, 2020) **UPDATED 11/10/2020**
In accordance with guidance from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, no federal judiciary resources — including court networks and court-issued laptops and devices — may be utilized for using Zoom. Information on video conferencing tools available for conducting court proceedings can be provided by the presiding judicial officer.
Administrative Order re: In-Person Proceedings (Posted May 12, 2020) **UPDATED 6/5/2020**
Upon consideration of current circumstances relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and to supplement this court’s Order of March 16, 2020, the court has enacted some additional directives.
Order Suspending Paper Filing Requirements in Pro Se Cases (Posted March 18, 2020) **SUPERSEDED 11/13/2020**
Based on declared public health emergencies impacting Washington, D.C. and the National Capital Region, and ongoing efforts to mitigate community transmission and the impact of COVID-19, there is an immediate need for the United States Court of Federal Claims to take steps to limit the number of court personnel who are required to be available to process filings submitted through the U.S. Mail, by messenger, or in the court’s night box. Providing pro se litigants with the ability to submit and be served with filings electronically will reduce the number of court staff required to process paper filings, which will minimize the risk to the health and safety of both court staff and the public conducting business with the court.
Public Access Restriction (Posted March 16, 2020)
Based on declared public health emergencies impacting Washington, D.C. and the National Capital Region, and ongoing efforts to mitigate community transmission and the impact of COVID-19, there is an immediate need for the United States Court of Federal Claims to restrict public access to the Howard T. Markey National Courts Building. These restrictions will be in place as a temporary measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to minimize the risk to the health and safety of both court staff and the public conducting business with the court.