How to Disagree With Your Contracting Officer about the Terms of Your Contract

ALWAYS:

1. Immediately inform the government in writing of your interpretation of the requirements, and notify the government that you will be seeking the additional cost of performance of the disputed terms.
2. Keep performing.
3. Account for costs in a way that allows you to readily prove the extra costs of performance that result from the government’s interpretation.
4. Submit a request for equitable adjustment for payment for the extra costs.
5. Follow the claims process described in the Disputes clause if the government denies the request for equitable adjustment.

NEVER:

1. Ignore contract modifications.
2. Ignore a cure notice and other government requests for assurance that it will perform the contract.
3. Refuse to ensure the government that you will perform.
4. Unilaterally impose your interpretation of the contract requirements
5. Refuse to perform according to the contract as modified.