When the contracting officer documents that use of a reopener clause is the most appropriate means of overcoming a contingency (see 31.205-7(c)(2)(90)(v)) that will significantly affect the pricing of a contract, as a minimum, the following should be accomplished:
(a) Request the field ACO provide a recommended clause for those cases in which the DCMA recommended its use. In other instances, contact the local cost/price analyst and the field ACO, as appropriate, for assistance in developing and/or modifying a reopener clause;
(b) Query the field ACO, regarding (1) the adequacy of the contractor's accounting system to provide all necessary cost data in the form required to price the adjustment (obtain a review of the adequacy of the accounting system if necessary), and (2) the adequacy of the contractor’s estimating system and whether any estimating system deficiencies have been identified, and if so, whether a reopener clause or other technique is recommended (DFARS 215.407-5-70(g)).
(c) Obtain, as necessary, cost or pricing data applicable to the cost element(s) and markup factors, to establish the base level in the clause from which adjustment will be made, and ensure such data has been verified;
(d) When the weighted guidelines method is used, the profit objective otherwise developed should reduce the value for contract type risk (DFARS 215.404-71-3(d)(4)(iii)); and the values for management and/or for cost control under the performance risk factor, when use of a reopener clause is needed due to an inadequate analysis of the subcontractor's proposal by the prime contractor (DFARS 215.404-71-2(e)(3)(i)(E)) and/or when there are estimating system deficiencies, cost proposal inadequacies and/or ineffective cost/schedule control (DFARS 215.404-71-2(f)(3)), respectively;
(e) Prepare a proposed schedule of calculations for each affected CLIN which identifies each specific rate, factor, element of cost, profit, etc., to be covered by the reopener clause; and explicitly describes or provides an example of the precise methodology to be used to calculate any resulting price adjustment. Consider whether it is appropriate to retroactively apply a price, as subsequently finalized, to items already delivered on time and to late deliveries.
(f) Obtain legal review for sufficiency and consistency with other contract clauses;
(g) If the clause is to provide for an upward adjustment, notify the local budget office of the necessity to commit funds over and above the contract price to the amount of the ceiling established, or obtain a confirmation from the requiring activity that funds are available and have been set aside) to cover the potential increased obligation (in the event the award is funded by a Military Inter-departmental Purchase Request);
(h) If use of a locally developed clause or one of the clauses at 17.9205 is contemplated on a modified basis, provide an advisory copy of the draft reopener clause, after completing steps (a) through (g) above, to the local contract policy office for review.
(i) If the modifications to one of the clauses at 17.9205 exceed minor changes, i.e., would substantially alter or eliminate any of the provisions of the clause, or if a local clause is used, promptly provide a facsimile copy of the draft clause to Headquarters DLA, J-71.
(j) Incorporate the amounts and methodology reached through preaward discussions/negotiations with the contractor, in a document executed by both parties which is made an attachment to the price negotiation memorandum (PNM). Absent such agreement, calculations supporting the contracting officer's interpretation of negotiations should be incorporated in the PNM. (NOTE: Because such information may be considered confidential by the contractor, the details should not be incorporated into a reopener clause or otherwise included in the contract.); and
(k) Indicate in any letter of delegation for contract administration that the award contains a reopener clause. Advise the field ACO of any awards retained for local administration which will be affected by a prospective FPRA/FPRR, to assure the required information will be furnished timely.
