Manage Changes Flashcards
What must a contracting officer have to deal with changes in customer requirements?
A mechanism to deal with these changes.
What are some uses of unilateral modifications?
Unilateral modifications are used to make administrative changes, issue change orders, and make changes authorized by clauses other than a changes clause.
What is a bilateral modification?
A bilateral modification is a contract modification that is signed by both the contractor and the contracting officer, used to make negotiated equitable adjustments, definitize letter contracts, and reflect other agreements modifying the terms of contracts.
Who can modify or change contracts on behalf of the Government?
Only warranted contracting officers acting within the scope of their authority can modify or change contracts on behalf of the Government.
What are the two types of contract modifications according to FAR 43.103?
The two types of contract modifications are bilateral modifications and unilateral modifications.
What must a contracting officer obtain before executing a contract modification that increases funds?
A certification of fund availability.
What should the certification of fund availability be based on?
The negotiated price or, if the modification is completed before negotiation, the best available estimate of cost.
Under what conditions can a contracting officer execute a contract modification without obtaining a certification of fund availability?
When the modifications are conditioned on availability of funds or contain a limitation of cost or funds clause.
What types of changes are permitted under the changes clause?
The types of changes permitted are subject to the contract’s contract-type, which can be fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, or time & materials.
What is the purpose of the changes clause in government contracts?
The changes clause permits the contracting officer to make unilateral changes in designated areas within the general scope of the contract.
How are change orders documented according to FAR?
Change orders are documented by issuing written change orders on Standard Form 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract (SF 30).
In which type of contracts is a contractor not obligated to continue performance after a change order?
In cost-reimbursement or incrementally funded contracts, the contractor is not obligated to continue performance or incur costs beyond the limits established in the Limitation of Cost or Limitation of Funds clause.
What must a contractor do when a contracting officer issues a change order?
The contractor must continue performance of the contract as changed, except in cost-reimbursement or incrementally funded contracts.
What should contracting officers do regarding equitable adjustments resulting from change orders?
Contracting officers should negotiate equitable adjustments resulting from change orders within the shortest practicable time.
What typically results from the change order process?
The change order process typically results in two modifications: the modification issuing the change order and the modification issuing the supplemental agreement between the parties.
What is a change order?
A change order is issued by a contracting officer directing changes in the general scope of the contract.
Under what circumstances can a contracting officer issue a change order by electronic means without a SF 30?
A contracting officer may issue a change order by electronic means without a SF 30 under unusual or urgent circumstances, provided that the message contains substantially the information required by the SF 30 and immediate action is taken to issue the SF 30.
What documents are required when change orders are not forward priced?
When change orders are not forward priced, they require a change order and a supplemental agreement reflecting the resulting equitable adjustment in contract terms.
What is the purpose of a supplemental agreement in contract modifications?
A supplemental agreement is used to reflect the resulting equitable adjustment in contract terms when an equitable adjustment in the contract price or delivery terms can be agreed upon in advance.
What are some examples of when unilateral modifications are used?
Unilateral modifications are used to make administrative changes, issue change orders, make changes authorized by clauses other than a changes clause, and issue termination notices.
What is a unilateral agreement in contract modifications?
A unilateral agreement is a contract modification that is signed only by the contracting officer and is used for administrative changes, issuing change orders, making changes authorized by clauses other than a changes clause, and issuing termination notices.
What type of modifications are all changes to commercial contracts under FAR clause 52.212-4?
All changes to commercial contracts under FAR clause 52.212-4 are bilateral in type.
What does FAR clause 52.212-4(c) state regarding modifications of commercial contracts?
FAR clause 52.212-4(c) states that changes may only be made by written agreement of both parties.
What is the Government’s policy regarding the resolution of contractual issues in controversy?
The Government’s policy is to try to resolve all contractual issues in controversy by mutual agreement at the contracting officer’s level.
According to FAR 33.206, how should contractor claims be submitted?
Contractor claims shall be submitted in writing to the contracting officer.
What are some provisions included in the Disputes statute?
The Disputes statute provides for the payment of interest on contractor claims, certification of contractor claims, and a civil penalty for fraudulent claims or those based on misrepresentation of fact.
What should agencies do before the submission of a claim according to FAR 42.304?
Agencies should make reasonable efforts to resolve controversies prior to the submission of a claim.
What does 41 U.S.C. chapter 71 establish regarding claims?
41 U.S.C. chapter 71 establishes procedures and requirements for asserting and resolving claims subject to the Disputes statute.
What procedures are agencies encouraged to use to resolve disputes?
Agencies are encouraged to use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures to the maximum extent practicable.
According to FAR 33.207, what is the certification requirement for claims exceeding $100,000?
Contractors shall certify any claim exceeding $100,000.
What is the time limit for presenting a claim for a decision after the accrual of a claim?
The claim must be presented for a decision within 6 years after accrual of a claim, unless the contracting parties agreed to a shorter time period.
Who can execute the certification for a claim exceeding $100,000?
The certification may be executed by any person authorized to bind the contractor with respect to the claim.
When does the Government pay interest on a contractor’s claim?
The Government pays interest on a contractor’s claim from the date the contracting officer receives the claim or from the date payment would otherwise be due, if that date is later, until the date of payment.
What types of claims are contracting officers not authorized to decide or resolve?
Contracting officers are not authorized to decide claims for penalties or forfeitures prescribed by statute or regulation that another Federal agency is authorized to administer, or claims involving fraud.
What authority do contracting officers have according to FAR 33.210?
Contracting officers are authorized to decide or resolve all claims arising under or relating to a contract subject to the Disputes statute, within any specific limitations of their warrants.
What procedures can contracting officers use to resolve claims according to FAR 33.214?
Contracting officers are authorized to use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures to resolve claims.
What factors should a contracting officer consider when determining the time to issue a decision on a claim?
The contracting officer should consider the size and complexity of the claim, the adequacy of the contractor’s supporting data, and any other relevant factors.
What actions must a contracting officer take when a claim cannot be settled by mutual agreement according to FAR 33.211?
The contracting officer must review the facts pertinent to the claim, secure assistance from legal and other advisors, coordinate with the contract administration officer or contracting office, and prepare a written decision.
What is the time frame for a contracting officer to issue a decision on claims over $100,000?
The contracting officer must issue a decision within 60 days after receiving a certified claim, and if a decision will not be issued within that time, the contractor must be notified of the expected time frame.