Contracting Officers: Turn Off the Time and Material Default Switch

Summary

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This article addresses the increased use of time and material contracts. It explores the reasons and risks of this contract type's use. Also, it makes several suggestions to pursue alternate contract types when appropriate.

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Contracting Officers: Turn Off the Time and Material Default Switch

INTRODUCTION

Time and material (T&M) contracts are increasingly used as the contract type of choice in federal contracting. As a contracting officer, I believe it is important that my colleagues consider the use of this instrument more carefully by considering the risks and other options available.

TIME AND MATERIAL CONTRACTS RISING

A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report reviewed the use of time and material contracts by the Department of Defense. The report stated that obligations under T&M cont...

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