FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 49: Termination of Contracts › Subpart 49.1

FAR 49.108-8 Assignment of rights under subcontracts.

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 that under termination for convenience clauses, the prime contractor must assign to the Government all rights under terminated subcontracts when directed by the TCO, but only if it benefits the Government. It also gives the Government the option to settle and pay subcontractor settlement proposals, though normally the prime contractor is responsible for doing so.

Applies to: Prime contractors with subcontracts terminated due to termination of the prime contract

What it requires

  • Assign to the Government, as directed by the TCO, all rights, titles, and interest under any subcontract terminated because of termination of the prime contract.
  • Settle and pay subcontractor settlement proposals, unless the TCO determines it is in the Government's interest to do so.

Key terms: termination for convenience clauses · TCO · prime contractor · subcontract · settlement proposal

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

The text

(a) The termination for convenience clauses in 52.249, except the short-form clauses, obligate the prime contractor to assign to the Government, as directed by the TCO, all rights, titles, and interest under any subcontract terminated because of termination of the prime contract. The TCO shall not require the assignment unless it is in the Government's interest.

(b) The termination for convenience clauses (except the short-form clauses) also provide the Government the right, in its discretion, to settle and pay any settlement proposal arising out of the termination of subcontracts. This right does not obligate the Government to settle and pay settlement proposals of subcontractors. As a general rule, the prime contractor is obligated to settle and pay these proposals. However, when the TCO determines that it is in the Government's interest, the TCO shall, after notifying the contractor, settle the subcontractor's proposal using the procedures for settlement of prime contracts. An example in which the Government's interest would be served is when a subcontractor is a sole source and it appears that a delay by the prime contractor in settlement or payment of the subcontractor's proposal will jeopardize the financial position of the subcontractor. Direct settlements with subcontractors are not encouraged.

← 49.108-7 Government assistance in settling subcontracts. · 49.109 Settlement agreements. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 49

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

FAR 49.108-8 Assignment of rights under subcontracts · SpendQuery