Skip to main content

S. 2292, the Contract Disputes Act of 1977, and S. 3178, the Contracts Disputes Act of 1978

Published: Jun 20, 1978. Publicly Released: Jun 20, 1978.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

S. 2292 and S. 3178 are intended to provide for the resolution of claims and disputes relating to Government contracts awarded by executive agencies. They grew out of recommendations made by the Commission on Government Procurement which were supported by the Comptroller General. The bills would: expand the application of the disputes clause which is contained in most Government contracts; authorize agencies to compromise claims by or against the Government; improve means for review and settlement of contract disputes prior to litigation; allow retention of agency board of contract appeals where the caseload justified a full-time board of at least five members; allow appeals of board decisions by both parties--S. 3179 would allow a longer time for appeals by contractors than by agencies while S. 2292 sets the same time limit for both parties: expedite resolution of small claims; allow the contractors direct access to courts; grant discovery and subpoena powers to boards of contract appeals; and allow awards by a board or court to be paid out of the permanent indefinite appropriation for payment of judgments, with later reimbursement by agencies. Enactment of either bill, with minor revisions, will provide a sound statutory foundation for improving the disputes-resolving system.

Full Report

Office of Public Affairs