Col. (Ret.) Robert M. Carpenter, P.E., provides independent analysis and expert testimony in construction, federal contracting, schedule, cost, and disaster recovery disputes.
Available for deposition and trial testimony, expert reports, and case strategy. Career experience providing sworn statements and technical determinations as USACE District Commander and senior program executive.
Initial consultations are confidential. Conflicts checked within one business day.
For counsel evaluating retention
Commanded the largest USACE Civil Works District, overseeing approximately 980 personnel and administering an annual program of roughly $475 million across ports, waterways, coastal protection, flood control, and Everglades restoration. Led disaster response for Hurricanes Charley, Ivan, and Wilma.
Founded a federal general contractor and consulting firm. Directed more than 130 FEMA-funded infrastructure recovery and reconstruction projects in Puerto Rico. Extensive experience evaluating federal contract claims and equitable adjustments, supporting recovery of millions of dollars in contract modifications for clients.
Led negotiations with the Government of Qatar for use and development of Al Udeid Air Base. Directed engineering planning and infrastructure design; coordinated the international agreement through DoD and the U.S. Department of State.
Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, United States Military Academy at West Point. Primary Instructor for the USACE District and Division Commander Course.
Appointed by the Governor of Florida.
Construction Project Management and Standards of Care
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Federal Procurement
FEMA Public Assistance Programs
USACE Civil Works and Infrastructure
Coastal and Water Resources Engineering
Environmental Permitting and Compliance
Disaster Response and Recovery Operations
Scheduling and Delay Analysis
Contract Administration and Disputes
Construction Claims and Equitable Adjustments
Every engagement begins with a conflicts check and a focused review of the technical questions in dispute. Opinions are grounded in the same standards Col. Carpenter used to sign federal quality determinations as USACE District Commander: documented, referenced to authority, and stress-tested against the field record.
His combination of operational command experience, formal engineering training at Stanford and West Point, and active Professional Engineer licensure in Florida, Virginia, and Puerto Rico positions him for cases that require both technical depth and federal program fluency.
For attorneys evaluating Col. Carpenter for retention, reach out directly or through our secure contact form. All initial inquiries are logged for conflict-of-interest checks before any case discussion.