[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 48, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 48CFR42.1303]

[Page 788]
 
            TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
 
                CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION
 
PART 42--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT SERVICES--Table of Contents
 
  Subpart 42.13--Suspension of Work, Stop-Work Orders, and Government 
                              Delay of Work
 
Sec. 42.1303  Stop-work orders.

    (a) Stop-work orders may be used, when appropriate, in any 
negotiated fixed-price or cost-reimbursement supply, research and 
development, or service contract if work stoppage may be required for 
reasons such as advancement in the state-of-the-art, production or 
engineering breakthroughs, or realignment of programs.
    (b) Generally, a stop-work order will be issued only if it is 
advisable to suspend work pending a decision by the Government and a 
supplemental agreement providing for the suspension is not feasible. 
Issuance of a stop-work order shall be approved at a level higher than 
the contracting officer. Stop-work orders shall not be used in place of 
a termination notice after a decision to terminate has been made.
    (c) Stop-work orders should include--
    (1) A description of the work to be suspended;
    (2) Instructions concerning the contractor's issuance of further 
orders for materials or services;
    (3) Guidance to the contractor on action to be taken on any 
subcontracts; and
    (4) Other suggestions to the contractor for minimizing costs.
    (d) Promptly after issuing the stop-work order, the contracting 
officer should discuss the stop-work order with the contractor and 
modify the order, if necessary, in light of the discussion.
    (e) As soon as feasible after a stop-work order is issued, but 
before its expiration, the contracting officer shall take appropriate 
action to--
    (1) Terminate the contract;
    (2) Cancel the stop-work order (any cancellation of a stop-work 
order shall be subject to the same approvals as were required for its 
issuance); or
    (3) Extend the period of the stop-work order if it is necessary and 
if the contractor agrees (any extension of the stop-work order shall be 
by a supplemental agreement).