How should contractors respond to a government stop-work order in 2026?
Immediately comply, minimize allocable costs, resume when ordered, and seek an equitable adjustment within 30 days after stoppage ends.
AI-assisted and automatically checked against the linked primary sources.
What must a contractor do first after a stop-work order?
According to FAR 52.242-15, the contractor’s first duty after receiving a written stop-work order is to immediately comply and take all reasonable steps to minimize costs allocable to the stopped work. The order must be specifically identified as a stop-work order issued under that clause. Under the same clause, the contracting officer must, within 90 days after delivery of the order or any agreed extension, either cancel the order or terminate the covered work. FAR 52.233-3 applies the same immediate-compliance rule when the stop-work order follows a post-award protest, and it also states that the government’s termination rights are unaffected. If the order is canceled or expires, the contractor must resume work. If the stoppage increases performance time or properly allocable cost, the contractor may seek an equitable adjustment, but it must assert that right within 30 days after the stoppage ends unless the contracting officer accepts a later submission before final payment. For cost-reimbursement contracts under Alternate I, the adjustment language reaches estimated cost, fee, or both, and other affected contract terms.
Does the contractor have to resume work after the order ends?
- Immediately comply with the stop-work order; do not continue the stopped work.
- Take all reasonable steps to minimize costs allocable to the work covered by the order.
- Track time and cost impacts, then assert any equitable adjustment within 30 days after stoppage ends.
- For cost-reimbursement contracts under Alternate I, the adjustment may involve estimated cost, fee, or both, plus other affected terms.
Open a stop-work log immediately, confirm which clause applies, and calendar the 30-day adjustment deadline.
Process
- 1
Confirm the order basis
Check whether the order was issued under FAR 52.242-15 or FAR 52.233-3 and whether it is specifically identified as a stop-work order.
- 2
Stop the covered work
Immediately comply with the order and take all reasonable steps to minimize allocable costs during the stoppage.
- 3
Track the stoppage impact
Document added time and properly allocable costs so you can support an equitable adjustment if the order is canceled or expires.
- 4
Resume and assert the adjustment timely
Resume work when the order is canceled or expires, and assert any right to adjustment within 30 days after the stoppage ends unless the contracting officer accepts a later submission.
Important Note
A stop-work order does not pause the contractor’s duty to control costs. The cited clauses require immediate compliance and reasonable cost minimization during the stoppage.
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