[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 23, Volume 1] [Revised as of April 1, 2002] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 23CFR172.11] [Page 24] TITLE 23--HIGHWAYS CHAPTER I--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PART 172--ADMINISTRATION OF ENGINEERING AND DESIGN RELATED SERVICE CONTRACTS--Table of Contents Subpart A--Procurement Procedures Sec. 172.11 Contract modifications. (a) Contract modifications are required for any modification in the terms of the original contract that change the cost of the contract; significantly change the character, scope, complexity, or duration of the work; or significantly change the conditions under which the work is required to be performed. (b) A contract modification shall clearly outline the changes made and determine a method of compensation. FHWA approval of contract modifications shall be obtained prior to beginning the work except as discussed in paragraph (d) of this section. (c) Overruns in the costs of the work shall not warrant an increase in the fixed fee portion of a cost plus fixed fee contract. Significant changes to the Scope of Work may require adjustment of the fixed fee portion in a cost plus fixed fee contract or in a lump sum contract. (d) In unusual circumstances, the consultant may be authorized to proceed with work prior to agreement on the amount of compensation and execution of the contract modification, provided the FHWA has previously approved the work and has concurred that additional compensation is warranted.