FAR University

Justin Lambert brings more than forty years of experience in the construction industry. His career began at twelve as a jobsite gopher and grew into residential framing and finishing work, ultimately culminating in becoming a foreman at a very young age. Once he understood the “how,” he set out to learn the “why,” completing a BS in Civil Engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point and commissioning into the U.S. Army. As a USACE green suiter, he served in both warfighting and facilities management roles, carrying with him the early leadership maturity and work ethic that came from becoming a foreman so young. That foundation shaped his approach to problem-solving, coordination, and mission-focused execution throughout his military career. After leaving the service, he entered the world of high finance as a hedge fund trader. The adaptability and discipline he developed as a young tradesman—combined with the communication and leadership skills honed in the Army—allowed him to master complex financial models and business strategies quickly. Those lessons later became invaluable as he returned to the construction and federal contracting sectors. He later served as a USACE federal civilian in roles including Project Engineer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, and Chief of Quality Assurance in which he taught the CQM course. Drawing heavily on the leadership foundation he developed as a young foreman, he earned DAWIA Level I certification in Facilities Engineering and DAWIA Level II in Contracting—the stepping stones toward advancement as a federal Contracting Officer. While teaching aspiring superintendents in the AGC Superintendents Training Program (AGC STP), Mr. Lambert once remarked, “Construction gets into your blood. You can try other jobs, but eventually you realize you need to dig a hole, knock something down, or build something. It’s an itch you can’t seem to scratch anywhere else.” That mindset reflects the same drive that carried him from laborer to foreman long before most teenagers held their first real job, and later propelled him professionally—from engineer to multiple C-level leadership roles. Realizing he was not suited for the government sector long-term, he transitioned to the private side—“switching teams,” as he puts it—and now serves as a consultant with TLL Enterprises. There, he applies his broad experience to help clients navigate and resolve the complex technical, contractual, scheduling, and operational challenges they face in order to procure and execute contracts governed by the FAR.