SpendQueryBeta

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

FAR 42.1304 Government delay of work.

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 the Government Delay of Work clause, which lets contractors settle claims administratively when the contracting officer's acts or failures to act delay or interrupt the work. It does not apply if the contract already provides another equitable adjustment for the delay, such as through the Changes clause. It also clarifies that the clause cannot be used to order a suspension or delay.

Applies to: Contracting officers and contractors handling delays or interruptions caused by the contracting officer

What it requires

  • If the contracting officer has notice of an unordered delay or interruption covered by the clause, act to end the delay or take other appropriate action as soon as practicable.
  • Retain in the file a record of all negotiations leading to any adjustment made under the clause, and related certified cost or pricing data, or data other than certified cost or pricing data.

Key terms: Government Delay of Work · administrative settlement · equitable adjustment · Changes clause · certified cost or pricing data

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

The text

(a) The clause at 52.242-17, Government Delay of Work, provides for the administrative settlement of contractor claims that arise from delays and interruptions in the contract work caused by the acts, or failures to act, of the contracting officer. This clause is not applicable if the contract otherwise specifically provides for an equitable adjustment because of the delay or interruption; e.g., when the Changes clause is applicable.

(b) The clause does not authorize the contracting officer to order a suspension, delay, or interruption of the contract work and it shall not be used as the basis or justification of such an order.

(c) If the contracting officer has notice of an unordered delay or interruption covered by the clause, the contracting officer shall act to end the delay or take other appropriate action as soon as practicable.

(d) The contracting officer shall retain in the file a record of all negotiations leading to any adjustment made under the clause, and related certified cost or pricing data, or data other than certified cost or pricing data.

Sections it refers to

← 42.1303 Stop-work orders. · 42.1305 Contract clauses. →

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 42.1304 Government delay of work · SpendQuery