The Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) defines “change order” to mean “a written order, signed by the contracting officer, directing the contractor to make a change that the Changes clause authorizes the contracting officer to order without the contractor’s consent.” FAR 2.101.

Does the Changes clause apply to far 12 commercial contracts?

Commercial Item Contracts. When using FAR Part 12 procedures for the acquisition of commercial items, the Government does not have authority to unilaterally require changes.

What are the basic features of the Changes clause?

A good Changes Clause specifies when an owner can change the original scope of the contract, how the parties should resolve the value of the changed scope and when payment should be made to the contractor or a credit given to the owner.