Revised: 9/2023 

United States Court of Federal Claims

General Filing Tips

Pro Se Cases

Pursuant to the Rules of the United States Court of Federal Claims (RCFC), Appendix E: 

• Case initiating documents such as complaints and petitions, along with the required filing fee or application to 

proceed in forma pauperis, must be submitted in paper form in compliance with RCFC 5.5. 

• Once a case is opened, the pro se litigant may choose either to continue submitting case filings in paper form 

or to submit case filings electronically via e-mail to ProSe_case_filings@cfc.uscourts.gov. 

• All documents submitted by e-mail must comply with the format and signature requirements of Appendix E, 

RCFC, ¶ 9(b).

• Pro se litigants may, if feasible, receive instant notification by e-mail of all electronic filings.

• To receive instant notification of filings by e-mail, a pro se litigant must file an E-Notification Consent Form in 

each active cases before the court. See Forms 15A and 15B, RCFC. 

• By filing an E-Notification Consent Form, the pro se litigant consents to receiving notice by e-mail of all 

electronic filings in the named case, pursuant to RCFC 5(b), via the court’s electronic filing system and 

waives service and notice of these filings by first class mail. 

• Pro Se plaintiffs must be registered with PACER (Public Access to Court Records) to view electronic filings 

in their case. 

• The court and defendant may file electronically via CM/ECF. If plaintiff has consented to e-notification, a 

certificate of service is not necessary. Otherwise, proof of service is required pursuant to RCFC 5.3. 

Filing Initial Pleadings Electronically via CM/ECF (attorneys only)

• When filing an initial pleading electronically via CM/ECF, all documents associated with the pleading (e.g., 

motion to seal, notice of related cases, notice of filing) should be filed as attachments to the pleading.

o DO NOT file any motions, notices, or other documents as separate entries in the shell case.

• Once you submit payment of the filing fee in CM/ECF, you must complete the transaction. If you hit the back 

button, you will be charged twice.

o If the transaction requires modification, complete the transaction and then call the Clerk’s Office at (202) 

357-6406 for assistance.

PDFs Filed Electronically via CM/ECF (attorneys only)

• For each filing, the main document and each attachment must be no more than 200 MB in size. See Appendix E,

¶ 11(b) and http://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/cmecf-faq#PDF. . 

o If a scanned PDF is too large, the “Optimize Scanned Image” feature in Adobe Acrobat will compress the 

file. A file size can often be reduced by 50 to 90 percent.

• All PDFs should be text searchable. See Appendix E, ¶ 11(a)(i)(B).

Filing Voluminous Records Electronically in CM/ECF

• Accessing large files on a slower network connection can sometimes take an excessive amount of time. We ask 

that attorneys avoid scanned files whenever practicable and utilize PDF optimization methods to keep files as 

small as possible. These optimization methods vary depending on the PDF software used. 

• Voluminous records should be filed electronically in CM/ECF whenever possible. 

o CDs should be avoided as they are often damaged during delivery and deteriorate over time.

o Filing voluminous records electronically allows public access to the record via PACER.

• If a single PDF exceeds 200 MB, the parties must split the document into a main document and clearly labeled 

PDF attachments, but counsel must endeavor to limit the total number of attachments. 

• When filing a voluminous record consisting of a large number of attachments, parties are encouraged to split the 

filing into multiple filings to avoid delays or failure (e.g., Administrative Record Part 1, Administrative Record 

Part 2).

o Each filing must consist of a main document (e.g., Notice of Filing Administrative Record Part 1) and 
Revised: 9/2023 

may include multiple attachments (including a description of what is contained in each attachment).

o When filing each segment of a voluminous record (i.e., Part 1, Part 2), be sure to use the proper event 

(e.g., Administrative Record or Medical Records) rather than the generic Notice of Filing. 

• If exceptional circumstances require that a record be filed in some other format, a party must seek appropriate 

relief from the court. See Appendix E, ¶ 10(b).

Attorney of Record

• Each party may have only one attorney of record in a case at a time. See RCFC 83.1(c). 

o Only the attorney of record is listed on the docket sheet in CM/ECF and may have access to sealed

documents via CM/ECF. 

o Any attorneys assisting the attorney of record as “of counsel” are not listed on the docket and need not file 

any notice of participation. 

o All filings must be signed by or on behalf of the attorney of record, but “of counsel” attorneys may be 

included on the signature page. 

o The signature on the filing and the filing user’s CM/ECF login and password must match (“s/[name of 

filing user]” or “s/[name of attorney of record] by s/[name of filing user].” See Appendix E, ¶¶ 20–22.

• An attorney may participate pro hac vice in any proceeding before the court if the attorney of record:

o has requested and received the court’s prior approval; and

o is present for such participation. See Rule 83.1(a)(2).

• Any party other than the United States must seek leave of the court to substitute its attorney of record by filing a 

motion to substitute counsel.

o This includes pro se cases when an attorney is entering the case. 

o A motion to substitute counsel must be signed by the party or the newly appointed attorney of record 

and include an affidavit of appointment. See Rule 83.1(c)(4). 

o Only the United States is permitted to file notices of appearance.

Filing Motions

• A motion for enlargement of time should be filed in advance of the filing deadline. See Rule 6(b).

• Select the proper event in CM/ECF when filing motions, cross-motions, and responses (see attached list of filing 

events).

o When filing a cross-motion, select the “cross-motion” event rather than the “response” event.

o When filing a response to a dispositive motion, select the “response to motion to dismiss/summary 

judgment” event instead of the generic “response” event.

o Selecting the proper event ensures that proper deadlines are set in CM/ECF.

• When filing a motion for leave, the proposed filing should be attached to the motion. 

o Exception - Motions for Leave to File Under Seal. See Appendix E, ¶ 13. 

o If the motion for leave is granted, the party must file the proposed filing as a separate docket entry 

using the proper event so that proper deadlines are set in CM/ECF, and other filings may be linked to 

the entry. 

o A motion for leave to exceed the page limitation (see Rule 5.4(b)) should be filed in advance of the 

filing deadline. DO NOT file a brief or memorandum that exceeds the page limitation without first 

receiving proper relief from the court. 

• When filing a motion to intervene:

o add the party name in ALL CAPS; and 

o select “movant” as the party role. (Once the motion to intervene is granted, the court will change the 

party role to “intervenor.”) 

Redacted Filings

• Personal identifiers such as a minor’s name or a social security number should be redacted before filing. See Rule 

5.2. 

o If personal identifiers are not redacted and the court becomes aware of their existence, the Clerk of Court 

will seal the filing immediately.

• When a document is filed under seal, the court may later unseal the filing or order the party who made the filing 
Revised: 9/2023 

to file a redacted version for the public record.

• When filing a redacted version of a sealed document, use the “redacted document” event and link the document to 

the original sealed filing.

Access to Sealed Filings

• Only attorneys of record are given automatic access to sealed documents in CM/ECF and need not file an 

application for access to protected material

o An individual granted access to protected material must obtain access to sealed documents through an 

attorney of record. The individual will not be granted access to view sealed documents via CM/ECF.

Bid Protests

• Pre-filing notices must be provided at least 24 hours in advance of filing a bid protest case. See Appendix C, ¶ 2. 

o Updates to a notice should be promptly provided (e.g., a change in the anticipated filing date or 

withdrawal of the notice).

o For more information, please visit https://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/bid-protest-info . 

• When filing a motion for leave to file the complaint under seal, the sealed complaint must be accompanied by a 

proposed redacted version of the pleading. See Appendix C, ¶ 6. 

• When a party files a document under seal, the filing party must later file a redacted version of the document for 

the public record consistent with the procedures specified in the court’s standard protective order. See Form 8, 

RCFC. 

Any questions regarding case management should be directed to the Clerk’s Office at (202) 357-6406. For more helpful 

information, please visit the court’s website at www.uscfc.uscourts.gov.

PLEASE GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR A LIST OF CM/ECF DOCKETING EVENTS
DOCKETING EVENTS

Revised: 9/2023 

Civil Events

Attorney Complaint/Petition

Attorney Complaint/Petition

Attorney Bid Protest Complaint

Attorney Complaint

Attorney Petition 

Certificate of Good Standings

Certificate of Good Standings 

Request for Certificate of Good Standing 

Initial Pleadings and Service

Service of Process

Certificate of Service

Proof of Service of Subpoena – Rule 45(b)

Return of Service Executed 

Return of Service Unexecuted 

Service by Publication 

Transfers/Other Complaints and Other 

Answers

Amended Answer to Complaint

Amended Answer to Third Party Complaint

Amended Complaint

Amended Intervenor Complaint

Answer to Amended Complaint 

Attorney Transfer Complaint

Withdrawal of Claim 

Answers to Complaints/Counterclaims

Anti-filing Order

Bid Protest Scheduling Order

Canceling Deadline/Hearing

Concluding ADR Proceedings

Consolidating 

Motions and Related Filings

Motions 

Alter or Amend Judgment – Rule 59(e)

Amend Pleadings

Amend Schedule 

Amend/Correct

Appear in Forma Pauperis

Appear

Application for Access to Protected Material

Appoint Counsel

Appoint Expert

Appoint Guardian/Attorney ad Litem

Motions, cont’d 

Approve Consent Judgment 

Attorney Gees

Authorization of Service 100+ Miles

Bifurcate

Bond

Certify Interlocutory Appeal

Clarification

Compel

Complete the Administrative Record

Consolidate Cases

Continue

Correct Transcript

Cross Motion and Response

Cross motion and Response (Dispositive) 

Declaration of Mistrial

Declaratory Judgment

Default Judgment

Disbursement of Funds

Disclosure 

Discovery

Dismiss – Rule 12(b)(1) – Lack of Jurisdiction 

Subject Matter

Dismiss – Rule 12(b)(1) and (6) - Lack of 

Jurisdiction/Failure to State a Claim

Dismiss – Rule 12(b)(2) – Lack of Jurisdiction 

Over Person

Dismiss – Rule 12(b)(4) – Insufficiency of Process

Dismiss – Rule 12(b)(5) – Insufficiency of Service 

of Process

Dismiss – Rule 12(b)(6) – Failure to State of Claim

Dismiss – Rule 12 (b)(7) – Failure to Join a Party

Dismiss – Rule 41(a) – Voluntary

Dismiss – Rule 41(b) – Involuntary

Dismiss – Rule Unspecified 

Disqualify Counsel

Disqualify Judge

Enforce Judgment

Exceed Page Limit

Expedite

Extension of Time to Amend

Extension of Time to Complete Discovery

Extension of Time to File Answer

Extension of Time to File Reply

Extension of Time to File Response

Hearing
DOCKETING EVENTS

Revised: 9/2023 

Motions, cont’d 

Hearing for Rule 27 Petition 

In Limine

Intervene

Joinder

Judgment on Partial Findings

Judgment on the Administrative Record – Rule 

52.1

Judgment on the Pleadings

Judgment under4 Rule 54(b)

Leave to File Amicus Brief

Leave to File Document

Leave to File out of Time

Leave to File a Highly Sensitive Document

Letters Rogatory 

Lift Stay

Limited Admission

Miscellaneous Relief

More Definite Statement

New Trial – Rule 59(a)

Notify Interested Party

Oral Argument

Permanent injunction

Preliminary Injunction

Pro Hac Vice Participation

Proceed In Forma Pauperis

Produce

Protective Order

Publish

Quash

Reassign Case – Rule 40.1(c)

Reconsideration

Recusal

Redact

Referral to ADR

Release of Bond Obligation 

Release of Funds

Relief from Judgment – Rule 60

Remand

Reopen Case

Return of Property

Sanctions – Rule 11

Sanctions – Rule 37

Seal Document

Service by Publication

Sever

Show Cause

Status Conference

Stay

Strike

Substitute Attorney

Substitute Attorney (Consented)

Motions, cont’d 

Substitute Party

Summary Judgment

Summary Judgment – Partial 

Summons Third Party

Supplement the Administrative Record

Take Deposition 

Temporary Restraining Order 

Transfer

Treat previously Field Document as Highly 

Sensitive 

Unseal Case

Unseal Document

Vacate

Waive Copy Requirements

Withdraw

Withdraw as Attorney

Responses and Replies 

Objection to Bill of Costs

Reply to Objections to Bill of Costs

Reply to Response to Motion

Reply to Response to Supplemental Brief

Response (Not a motion)

Response to Amicus Brief

Response to Cross Motion

Response to Cross Motion to Dismiss/Summary 

Judgment 

Response to Motion

Response to Motion to Dismiss/Summary Judgment 

Response to Order to Show Cause 

Response to Supplemental Brief

Sur-Reply

Other Filings

ADR Documents

ADR – Notice to Proceed

ADR – Notification of Close of Discovery 

ADR Scheduling Order

Consent to Arbitration 

Consent to Meditation 

Referral to ADR

Discovery Documents 

Answer to Interrogatories

Deposition

Expert Report – Rule 26

Interrogatories Propounded

Notice to Take Deposition

Request for Admissions

Request for Production of Documents

Response to Discovery Request

Notices
DOCKETING EVENTS

Revised: 9/2023 

ADR – Notice to Proceed

ADR – Notification of Close of Discovery 

Call Issued

Notice (Other)

Notice of Acceptance with Offer of Judgment

Notice of Additional Authority

Notice of Appearance 

(DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT ATTORNEY 

ONLY)

Notice of Change of Address

Notice of Directly Related Case(s)

Notice of Filing Opt-In Consent Form

Notice of Indirectly Related Case(s)

Notice of Intent to Redact Transcript 

Notice of Providing Bond 

Notice of Return of Bond

Notice of Voluntary Dismissal

Notice to Take Foreign Deposition 

Pro bono Consent Notice

Trial Documents

Exhibit List

Joint Certification – App A, 13(d)

Memorandum of Contentions of Fact and Law

Objection to Exhibit List

Objection to Witness List

Post Trial Brief

Pretrial Brief

Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of 

Law

Trial Brief

Witness List

Appeal Documents 

Notice of Appeal

Notice of Cross Appeal

Other Documents 

Administrative Record

Administrative Record (Supplement)

Amended Complaint

Amended Document (NOT Motion)

Amended Intervenor Complaint

Amended Third Party Complaint

Amicus Brief

Bill of Costs

Certificate of Interest

Counter Statement of Facts

Cover Sheet

Decision on Remand by Agency

Declaration

Disclosure Certification – App A, 13(d)

Joint Preliminary Status Report

Other Documents Cont’d 

Memorandum

More Definite Statement

More Definite Statement Regarding Claim

Notice of Appearance 

(DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT ATTORNEY 

ONLY)

Notification of Default

Proposed Pretrial Order

Redacted Document

Satisfaction of Judgment

Statement of Facts

Status Report

Status Report (JOINT)

Status Report (Multiple Plaintiffs Summary)

Stipulation

Stipulation for Entry of Judgment

Stipulation of Dismissal

Stipulation of Partial Dismissal

Suggestion of Bankruptcy 

Suggestion of Death

Supplemental Brief

Vaccine Events

Vaccine Responses

Amended Respondent’s Report

Reply to Response to Motion

Reply to Response to Supplemental Brief

Respondent’s Report

Respondent’s Report and Proffer

Response (Not a motion)

Response to Cross Motion

Response to Motion

Response to Motion for Review

Response to Motion for Attorney Fees

Response to Order to Show Cause

Response to Supplemental Brie

Sur-Reply

Other Vaccine Documents

15-Week Petitioner Stipulation Status Report 

(Response)

15-Week Respondent Stipulation Status Report

ADR – Notice to Proceed 

Additional Documentation

Affidavit

Amended Petition

Certificate of Service

Cover Sheet

Declaration

Exhibit List

Expert Report
DOCKETING EVENTS

Revised: 9/2023 

Other Vaccine Documents Cont’d 

Joint Notice Not to Seek Review

Joint Prehearing Submission

Life Care Plan

Medical Literature

Medical Records

Memorandum

Notice (Other)

Notice to Not to Seek Review

Notice of Additional Authority

Notice of Appearance 

(DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT ATTORNEY 

ONLY)

Notice Of Change of Address

Notice of Communication of Settlement Office 

Notice of Filing

Notice of Filing Opt-In Consent Form

Notice of Intent

Notice of Intent to File on Portable Storage 

Disc or Drive

Notice of Intent to Redact Transcript

Notice of Intent to Remain in the Program

Notice of Intent to Withdraw Petition

Objection to Exhibit List

Objection to Public Disclosure

Objection to Witness List

PAR Medical History Questionnaire

Petitioners Election to Accept Judgment 

Petitioners Election to File Civil Action

Position on Short Form Petitions

Post Hearing Brief

Prehearing Submissions

Proffer

Satisfaction of Judgment 

Statement Regarding General Order No. 9

Statement of Completion

Status Report

Status Report (JOINT)

Status Report (Multiple Plaintiffs Summary)

Stipulation

Stipulation for Award

Stipulation for Fees

Stipulation of Dismissal

Suggestion of Death

Supplemental Brief

Witness List

Vaccine Motions 

Alter or Amend Judgment – Vaccine Rule 36 – 

RCFC 59(e)

Amend Schedule

Vaccine Motions Cont’d 

Amend/Correct

Appeal in Forma Pauperis

Appear

Application for Access to Protected Material

Appoint Counsel

Appoint Expert

Appoint Guardian/Attorney ad Litem

Attorney Fees

Attorney Fees (UNOPPOSED)

Compel

Consolidate Cases

Continue

Correct Transcript

Cross Motion and Response (Vaccine)

Decision

Disbursement of Funds

Discovery

Dismiss

Dismiss – Vaccine Rule 21(a) – Voluntary

Dismiss – Vaccine Rule 21(b) – Involuntary

Disqualify Counsel

Disqualify Special Master

Exceed Page Limit

Expedite

Extension of Time

Extension of Time to Amend

Extension of Time to File Reply

Extension of Time to File Response

Hearing

Interim Attorney’s Fees and Costs

Interim Attorney’s Fees and Costs (UNOPPOSED)

Intervene

Issue Subpoena

Leave to File Complaint

Leave to File out of Time

Lift Stay

Miscellaneous Relief

More Definite Statement

Motion for Judgement on the Record

Oral Argument

Pro Hac Vice Participation

Proceed In Forma Pauperis

Protective Order

Publish

Quash

Reassign Case – Rule 40.1(c)

Reconsideration

Reconsideration – Vaccine
DOCKETING EVENTS

Revised: 9/2023 

Vaccine Motions Cont’d 

Recusal

Redact Decision

Referral for Possible Pro Bono Representation

Referral to ADR

Reimbursement of Fees (PRO SE ONLY)

Relief from Judgment – Vaccine Rule 36 – 

RCFC 60

Remand

Reopen Case

Request for Filing Fee Pay.gov Refund

Review

Ruling on the Record

Seal Document

Show Cause

Status Conference

Stay

Strike

Substitute Attorney

Substitute Attorney (Consented)

Substitute Party

Summary Judgment

Supplement

Take Deposition

Vacate

Waive Copy Requirements

Withdraw

Withdraw as Attorney

Congressional Reference Filings

Filings

Notice of Exceptions to Hearing Officers 

Report

Notice to Accept Hearing Officers Report

See List of Events Under Service of Process

Sealed Answers

Sealed Other Answers and Complaints

See List of Events Under Transfers/Other 

Complaints and Other Answers

Sealed Motions 

See list of events Under motions

Sealed Responses and Replies

See list of events under Response and Replies

Sealed ADR Documents

See list of Events Under ADR Documents

Sealed Discovery

See List of Events Under Discovery Documents

Sealed Notices

See List of Events Under Notices

Sealed Trial Documents

See List of Events Under Trial Documents

Sealed Appeals 

See List of Events Under Appeal Documents

Sealed Other Documents

See List of Events Under Other Documents

SEALED Congressional Reference 

Sealed Filings

See List of Events Under Congressional Filings