Overview
This section establishes the framework for the Government to formally order work suspensions or stoppages during contract performance and provides a mechanism for resolving contractor claims resulting from unofficial Government-caused delays.
Key Rules
- Formal Orders: Provides authorization and standard clauses for the Government to mandate a suspension of work or a work stoppage.
- Claim Resolution: Includes a specific clause for settling contractor claims arising from "unordered" Government-caused delays (often referred to as constructive suspensions).
- Scope of Coverage: Ensures that delays not otherwise covered by specific contract provisions have a standardized path for equitable adjustment.
Practical Implications
- This subpart provides Contracting Officers with the necessary tools to pause performance for administrative or technical reasons while protecting the contractor's right to seek compensation for costs incurred due to Government-induced delays.
- Contractors should rely on these clauses to document and recover costs associated with any Government action or inaction that disrupts the planned schedule.