Contractors in recent weeks have complained about losses in productivity from preparing for a potential government shutdown, but worse impacts are almost certainly on the way now that the closure has taken effect.
The Department of Homeland Security warned of what would be in store last week in a letter to partner firms. “As a consequence of the lapse, certain planned procurements may be cancelled and certain existing contracts may be stopped, reduced in scope, terminated or partially terminated,” the memo said.
DHS promised to notify businesses of any changes that would be necessary, but the answers cannot come soon enough for some firms. A recent Post article quoted company planners saying they found it nearly impossible to determine how the shutdown would affect them because of the many variables involved.
Among the factors to consider: Whether contracts are covered by past or future congressional appropriations — the latter would require a new spending deal from lawmakers and the White House – and whether their workers are exempt from furloughs because they assist with essential government functions.
Keep reading this article at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2013/10/01/shutdown-consequences-set-to-begin-for-government-contractors/
