“”””””But when Neal was paid by the government for his subcontractors’ work, he did not pay his subcontractors.”””
Something ain’t right. I have done subcontracting on government projects for 40 years. If the general contractor did not pay me in a timely manner I would let the Owner or contracting officer know and they would do something about it.
A bond would be required on these jobs and you can also file against that.
Maybe he said "the check is in the mail" with flowers.