New memo offers contractors 'same maximum telework flexibilities'

In a new memo, a top Pentagon acquisition official instructs the services and other defense organizations to offer contractors the same telework flexibilities extended to Pentagon servicemembers and civilians.

The coronavirus "requires our contracting officers to consider unprecedented flexibilities to ensure the mission is supported while supporting the whole-of-America effort to bend the curve and stem the spread of the pandemic," reads the March 20 memo, signed by Kim Herrington, acting principal director of defense pricing and contracting.

"A significant part of our mission readiness is provided by our contractor partners who routinely work alongside service members and Government civilians at Department of Defense (DOD) installations and facilities," the document adds. "To this end, we are asking that the same maximum telework flexibilities extended to DOD service members and civilians also be made available to contractors when contract services can be delivered, without mission degradation, while off-site."

Herrington writes that allowing "our contractors flexibility in their place of performance during this COVID-19 crisis is a reasonable step."