VERTEX is pleased to be a sponsor of the 31st Annual Federal Procurement Institute (FPI), hosted by the ABA Section of Public Contract Law from April 2–4, 2025, in Annapolis, Maryland. As a Gold Sponsor, VERTEX continues its commitment to supporting thought leadership and collaboration within the federal procurement community.
FPI is a nationally recognized forum that brings together legal and industry professionals from government, private practice, and academia to explore the latest developments and challenges in federal procurement. This year’s panels will address a wide range of timely topics, including procurement policy under the new administration, post-award debriefings, continued fraud and claim recovery challenges related to COVID-19, and the impact of CHIPS, IIJA and IRA initiatives on public sector construction and contracting.
VERTEX attendees include Johnathan Rice, Kelsey Bonner, Michael Martin, Stephen Kiraly, Chris Foux, and Joel Lesch. The team looks forward to engaging in discussions that enhance industry understanding and foster professional connections.
VERTEX provides a full range of government contract services tailored to help clients navigate evolving regulations, compliance standards, and complex project requirements.
To learn more about the 2025 Federal Procurement Institute, visit Welcome – 2025 Federal Procurement Institute.
To learn more about VERTEX’s services or to speak with an Expert, call 888.298.5162 or submit an inquiry.
The Author
Johnathan Rice
PMP, MBA
Managing Director, Commercial Damages & Investigation
Johnathan Rice is a Managing Director in the Washington, D.C. office of VERTEX. He focuses on helping clients solve complex cost and schedule problems and has assisted a wide range of government contracting, construction, and manufacturing companies navigate related issues.
The Author
Kelsey Bonner
CFE
Senior Director, Commercial Damages & Investigation
Kelsey Bonner is a Certified Fraud Examiner with experience across multiple industries. She has provided expert testimony with opinions on changed work, disruption, bid reasonableness, and forensic data analysis. She provides expertise in cost and pricing issues on U.S. Government contracts.
The Author
Michael R. Martin, Jr.
CPA, CFF, CFE
Subject Matter Expert, Commercial Damages & Investigation
Michael R. Martin, Jr. is a Subject Matter Expert at LitCon Group, LLC, a Vertex Company (LitCon). Mr. Martin has more than 20 years of experience specializing in the preparation and defense of damage claims, investigations, forensic accounting and compliance issues for clients in the construction and government contracting industries. He has developed and rebutted damages analysis in litigation and other forums, assisted clients in responding to Government inquiries and participated in negotiations with various Government entities such as DCAA, DCMA and multiple Offices of Inspector General. Mr. Martin has presented at mediation and settlement discussions and been qualified and testified as an expert related to cost and damages issues.
The Author
Stephen J. Kiraly
CPA, CFF, CCA
Senior Managing Director, Commercial Damages & Investigation
Mr. Kiraly has 43+ years of experience in government contract accounting, compliance, and damages calculations. He has testified as an expert witness in federal and state courts and authored the damages section of an ABA publication on contract appeals.
The Author
Christopher W. Foux
CPA, ASA, ABV
Subject Matter Expert, Commercial Damages & Investigation
Mr. Foux specializes in valuation, forensic accounting, and damage claims analysis across industries like construction, defense, and healthcare. He has expertise in government contract compliance, bid protests, and financial disputes, providing litigation support and expert analysis.
The Author
Joel E. Lesch
CPA, CFE, CFF
Director, Commercial Damages & Investigation
Joel Lesch specializes in damages analysis, government contracts, fraud investigations, and financial assessments for troubled companies.