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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 42: Contract Administration and Audit Services › Subpart 42.13

FAR 42.1303 Stop-work orders.

The codified text (eCFR, as of 2026-10-02). Under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul ↗, agencies follow class deviations with new text for many parts while the formal rules go through the Federal Register: check the solicitation and your contract's clauses, which rule.

In plain English

This section explains when and how the Government may issue a stop-work order, which suspends a contractor's work for a period. It matters because a stop-work order can halt your performance, and the contracting officer must later terminate the contract, cancel the order, or extend it with your agreement.

Applies to: Negotiated fixed-price or cost-reimbursement supply, research and development, or service contracts

What it requires

  • Follow the stop-work order's description of the work to be suspended
  • Follow instructions on issuing further orders for materials or services
  • Follow guidance on action to be taken on any subcontracts
  • Agree to any extension of the stop-work order for it to be extended by supplemental agreement

Key terms: stop-work order · supplemental agreement · contracting officer · termination notice · subcontracts

Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.

The text

(a) Stop-work orders may be used, when appropriate, in any negotiated fixed-price or cost-reimbursement supply, research and development, or service contract if work stoppage may be required for reasons such as advancement in the state-of-the-art, production or engineering breakthroughs, or realignment of programs.

(b) Generally, a stop-work order will be issued only if it is advisable to suspend work pending a decision by the Government and a supplemental agreement providing for the suspension is not feasible. Issuance of a stop-work order shall be approved at a level higher than the contracting officer. Stop-work orders shall not be used in place of a termination notice after a decision to terminate has been made.

(c) Stop-work orders should include—

(1) A description of the work to be suspended;

(2) Instructions concerning the contractor's issuance of further orders for materials or services;

(3) Guidance to the contractor on action to be taken on any subcontracts; and

(4) Other suggestions to the contractor for minimizing costs.

(d) Promptly after issuing the stop-work order, the contracting officer should discuss the stop-work order with the contractor and modify the order, if necessary, in light of the discussion.

(e) As soon as feasible after a stop-work order is issued, but before its expiration, the contracting officer shall take appropriate action to—

(1) Terminate the contract;

(2) Cancel the stop-work order (any cancellation of a stop-work order shall be subject to the same approvals as were required for its issuance); or

(3) Extend the period of the stop-work order if it is necessary and if the contractor agrees (any extension of the stop-work order shall be by a supplemental agreement).

← 42.1302 Suspension of work. · 42.1304 Government delay of work. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 42

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.

FAR 42.1303 Stop-work orders · SpendQuery