Many federal construction contractors have been there: it’s near the end of the project and the government raises an issue with work that was done much earlier, but is not in strict compliance with the specifications. The contracting officer demands strict compliance with the specifications, even if it means tearing out completed work to fix the defect. And of course, the contracting officer insists that the government does not have to pay for the additional work. The contractor has to proceed as directed, but is the contractor actually entitled to additional compensation or not?
On December 17, 2019, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals handed down its decision in the Appeal of Buck Town Contractors & Co., confirming that if the government knew about the defective work during performance but said nothing, then it has constructively waived strict compliance with the contract specifications and the contractor is entitled to additional compensation.
Continue reading at: OBERMAYER GovCon Examiner
