The White House has directed Agency heads to “terminate or modify . . . covered contracts.” With some exceptions, there are numerous potential contracts on the chopping block. What should contractors do?
Upon receipt of a unilateral modification, assess whether the cost or time will increase in unchanged areas. For example, deductive changes for certain work could increase costs for other work that must still be performed. If costs were increased because of deductive changes, then carefully consider submitting a request for equitable adjustment.
Upon receipt of a notice of complete termination for convenience, promptly stop incurring further costs and, within one year of the termination, present a reasonable and well-supported termination settlement proposal to the Government under FAR 52.249-2(e). Recoverable costs include:
1. Costs actually incurred;
2. Profit on the work actually done; and
3. Costs of preparing a termination settlement proposal.
Upon receipt of a notice of partial termination for convenience, promptly stop incurring costs related to the terminated portion of the work and present a request for equitable adjustment within 90 days of the notice under FAR 52.249-2(l).
HEADER PHOTO: Termination by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Alpha Stock Images
Termination for Convenience was OK to Get a Lower Price
When Massachusetts’ highest State court rejected Federal law on termination for convenience (T4C) a public entity’s “sole discretion . . . for […]
Pirates (Parties) Should Arbitrate Arbitrability
Yes, the word “pirates” is an anagram for “parties.” Participants in a lawsuit, arbitration, or mediation are collectively referred to as parties. Are they pirates too?
Very Bad Behavior Without Bad Faith is Not a Breach of Contract
Despite “abhorrent” behavior by the Army Corps of Engineers, a majority of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals held there was […]
Government Construction Contracts Require Bonds, Even When Contract Doesn’t Say So
Yesterday (Nov. 5, 2018), the Fed. Cir. Ct. of Appeals again endorsed the Christian doctrine, which can make unstated requirements part of a government contract.
Government’s Negligent Estimate a Trick?
The Government’s negligent estimate failed to provide the “most current information available.”
Prime Contractor Had No Duty to Help Surety Investigate Sub’s Default
We all know what happens when we “ASS-U-ME” something. So, we should all carefully avoid assuming things unnecessarily.
It’s Good to Be the King
Mel Brooks in the movie History of the World: Part I (1981) said it best – “It’s good to be the King.” It’s also true when asserting claims against the State or an arm or agent of the State.
Smoke Without Fire: Damage from Concrete Dust Covered by Insurance
You’ve heard, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” In this instance, the smoke was concrete dust that damaged a warehouse full of aircraft […]
Changes Made After Substantial Completion Did Not Extend Overall Project Time
Contractors take heed – a time extension may be issued after substantial completion for specific work and the Government can still assess […]










