It is not unusual for agency personnel to request extracontractual changes during performance of a contract, many of which may seem fairly innocuous at first glance. From changing the type of screw used in a machine, to altering the background colors displayed on computer screens, extracontractual changes requested by agency personnel can seem minor or inconsequential, and contractors often readily agree without immediately recognizing the potential adverse consequences or taking the necessary steps to adequately protect themselves. Continue Reading Small Changes During Contract Performance Can Take A Large Bite Out Of The Bottom Line
Changes
Lots of Little Things – FAR Updates from the Federal Acquisition Circular
Every now and then, the FAR Councils issue a Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) – an update to the Federal Acquisition Regulation implementing a number of changes. Often these changes are rather pro forma. But occasionally, you get a Circular with many different (and interesting) issues. FAC 2005-67, issued in late-June 2013, with rules becoming effective in June and July 2013, is one such circular. We thought it would be helpful to highlight five of these rules that raise interesting and timely issues, especially where they may signal additional changes yet to come.
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Let Bygones Be Bygones – Except When It Comes To “Out of Scope” Modifications
After an unsuccessful bid protest, many contractors assume that their chance at getting a piece of the action has passed. They assume that they have exhausted their remedies and that all of the spoils inevitably will go to the victor. They let bygones be bygones and move-on to the next capture opportunity and ignore their competitor’s performance under the awarded contract.
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But You Promised!Ten Simple Steps for Avoiding the “Apparent Authority” Trap
In our claims practice, we frequently represent clients seeking compensation for constructive changes. One of the most common obstacles to recovery arises where the Government employee who ordered the additional or changed work lacked the authority to do so. Invariably, the Government’s first line of defense in these cases is the well-established principle that the Government is not bound by the unauthorized conduct of its agents. Although there are certain narrow exceptions to this general rule, the absence of actual express authority can make it significantly more difficult to recover for a constructive change.
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