[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 5] [Revised as of October 1, 2006] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR801.602-2] [Page 140] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 8--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PART 801_VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM--Table of Contents Subpart 801.6_Career Development, Contracting Activity, and Responsibilities Sec. 801.602-2 Responsibilities. (a) In the administration of a contract, many problems can and do arise that make the advice and assistance of the General Counsel either desirable or necessary. The final decision as to the action to be taken, however, must be made by the contracting officer in each instance. To reduce to the absolute minimum the possibility of litigation resulting from his/her decision, the contracting officer shall, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, submit the problem through channels in sufficient detail to the General Counsel for advice or assistance. (b) While legal review and concurrence of the General Counsel is required prior to a default termination, in some cases where a quick response is necessary, this review can be expedited by express mailing or telefaxing the default letter and related documents which are required to make an evaluation directly to the General Counsel (025). The default termination letter should contain, at a minimum, the following: (1) The proposed termination (FAR 49.102); (2) An explanation of what necessitated the default, including the reasons why the contracting officer considers the contractor to be in default; (3) A statement that the factors set forth in FAR 49.402-3(f) have been fully considered; and (4) Final decision language and appeal rights. (c) Contracts containing a mutual termination clause may be terminated without reference to the General Counsel. [49 FR 12583, Mar. 29, 1984, as amended at 54 FR 31962, Aug. 3, 1989]