DOD contracting officers urged to monitor coronavirus pandemic

All Defense Department contracting officers and program managers are being urged to communicate with the defense contractors regarding the safety and welfare of their workforces amid the "rapidly evolving" COVID-19 global pandemic, according to a new memo from a senior Pentagon official.

"As a result of the current COVID-19 situation, contracting officers are strongly encouraged to engage with their government program managers and requirements owners to determine what, if any, measures should be taken to ensure the welfare and safety of the total force, while ensuring mission continuity," Kim Herrington, the acting principal director of defense pricing and contracting, wrote in a March 10 memo.

Contracting officers and program managers are encouraged to "consider all potential scenarios," such as the need for travel restrictions, alternate work locations or scheduled changes.

"Communication between the government and contractors is key to total workforce safety and mission continuity," Herrington wrote. "Therefore, contracting officers should be as transparent as possible as they make decisions potentially impacting contract performance or contractor personnel."