If Congress fails to either reach an agreement or issue a continuing resolution prior to midnight on November 17, 2023, the result will be a lapse in appropriations, better known as a Federal Government Shutdown.  A lapse in appropriations would mean that several government activities would cease, including, in some cases, performance under contracts. In addition, certain planned procurements may be cancelled, and certain existing contracts may be stopped, reduced in scope, terminated, or partially terminated.
 
Should the Eastern District of Washington’s contracting officers determine that any of these actions is necessary or that contractors will be unable to fulfill their obligations, a contracting officer will provide prompt notice and instructions to contractors for each affected contract. If a contract will not be affected by the lapse in appropriations, the District will not provide a separate notification or communication to that effect.
 
Unless a contracting officer provides the contractor a formal notification to the contrary, all contractors must continue to fulfill their contractual obligations to the Eastern District of Washington, i.e., unless notified otherwise, contractors must continue to comply with all terms, conditions, requirements and delivery requirements specified in their contracts during a period covered by a lapse in appropriations.
 
Thank you for your continued support and business with the Eastern District of Washington, and for your cooperation as we work together to manage a potential lapse in appropriations.