DHS CPO Letter Regarding Contract Funding

It was announced Thursday, September 26, 2013 that USM Rafael Borras will act as the Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary (S2). Chris Cummiskey (current DUSM) will act as the interim USM. The following industry partner letter was also issued on Thursday, September 26, 2013 by the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer at the Department of Homeland Security. Read the FedBizOpps annoucement here.

Dear Industry Partner,

This is to advise the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contractor community of the DHS plans regarding contract actions that may be necessary in the event contract funding is affected by a lapse in appropriations.
As you are aware, the budget for fiscal year 2014 has not been enacted and may result in a lapse in the funds designated to purchase certain supplies and services as well as reduction in the Government’s capacity to administer DHS contracts. As a consequence of the lapse, certain planned procurements may be cancelled and certain existing contracts may be stopped, reduced in scope, terminated or partially terminated.

Should DHS determine that any of these actions is necessary, the Contracting Officer for each of the affected contracts will provide prompt appropriate notice to the contractor in accordance with the terms and conditions of the affected contract. Notices will contain the direction necessary to comply.

If a contract will not be affected by the lapse in appropriations, DHS does not plan to provide any separate notifications or communications of that fact. Unless a contractor is provided a formal notification to the contrary, all DHS contractors must continue to comply with all terms, conditions, requirements and deliveries specified in their contract(s).
Thank you for your continued partnership with DHS, and for your cooperation as we work together to manage a potential lapse in appropriations.

Sincerely,
Nick Nayak
Chief Procurement Officer