Title 48

SECTION 49.504

49.504 Termination of fixed-price contracts for default.

(a)(1) Supplies and services. The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.249-8, Default (Fixed-Price Supply and Service), in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price contract is contemplated and the contract amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The contracting officer may use the clause when the contract amount is at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, if appropriate (e.g., if the acquisition involves items with a history of unsatisfactory quality).

(2) Transportation. If the contract is for transportation or transportation-related services, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its Alternate I.

(b) Research and development. The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.249-9, Default (Fixed-Price Research and Development), in solicitations and contracts for research and development when a fixed-price contract is contemplated and the contract amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, except those with educational or nonprofit institutions on a no-profit basis. The contracting officer may use the clause when the contract amount is at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, if appropriate (e.g., if the contracting officer believes that key personnel essential to the work may be devoted to other programs).

(c)(1) Construction. The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.249-10, Default (Fixed-Price Construction), in solicitations and contracts for construction, when a fixed-price contract is contemplated and the contract amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The contracting officer may use the clause when the contract amount is at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, if appropriate (e.g., if completion dates are essential).

(2) Dismantling and demolition. If the contract is for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its Alternate I.

(3) National emergencies. If the contract is to be awarded during a period of national emergency, the contracting officer may use the clause (i) with its Alternate II when a fixed-price contract for construction is contemplated, or (ii) with its Alternate III when a contract for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements is contemplated.

[48 FR 42447, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 60 FR 34760, July 3, 1995]