Stephen M. Daniels - Chairman, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals

Stephen M. Daniels became Chairman of the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals at its inception.  Judge Daniels had been chairman of the GSA Board of Contract Appeals since December 1992.  He was a member of the GSA Board from 1987 until the establishment of the Civilian Board.

The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals began operations, as mandated by Congress, on January 6, 2007.  The Board is a quasi-judicial tribunal whose principal mission is to hear and decide cases involving disputes between contractors and virtually all civilian agencies of the federal government. The Board also provides alternative dispute resolution services with regard to government contract matters involving federal agencies.

In addition, the Board hears and decides cases under the Indian Self-Determination Act; resolves disputes between insurance companies and the Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency involving actions of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation; and settles claims by federal civilian employees for travel and relocation expenses, and claims by common carriers regarding payment for transportation services provided to federal agencies.

As a member of the Board, Judge Daniels manages cases, conducts hearings when necessary, issues opinions and orders, and serves as a neutral in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. As chairman, he is additionally responsible for management of the tribunal itself.

Before his appointment to the GSA Board, Judge Daniels was for fifteen years counsel to the Committee on Government Operations of the United States House of Representatives.  With that committee, he served as chief Republican counsel from 1980 to 1987, and also as Republican staff director from 1984 to 1987.

Judge Daniels earlier served in the legislative offices of two federal agencies, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Office of Management and Budget, and was legislative assistant to a Member of Congress. He also served in the United States Army Reserve.

Judge Daniels is a graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School.