52.216-23 Execution and Commencement of Work
Source: FAR 52.216-23 on acquisition.gov
Contractors must promptly sign and return three copies of the letter contract by the specified date to begin authorized work under a letter contract.
Overview
FAR 52.216-23, Execution and Commencement of Work, is a clause used in letter contracts (except those awarded on Standard Form 26) to formalize the contractor's acceptance and establish when work should begin. The clause requires the contractor to sign and return three copies of the letter contract to the Contracting Officer by a specified date. Once both parties have accepted the contract, the contractor is authorized to start work, including purchasing necessary materials. This clause ensures that both parties have a clear, documented agreement before performance begins, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or unauthorized work.
As prescribed in 16.603-4(b)(1), insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts when a letter contract is contemplated, except that it may be omitted from letter contracts awarded on https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/awardcontract" target="_blank">SF 26 :
Execution and Commencement of Work (Apr 1984)
The Contractor shall indicate acceptance of this letter contract by signing three copies of the contract and returning them to the Contracting Officer not later than _______________ [insert date]. Upon acceptance by both parties, the Contractor shall proceed with performance of the work, including purchase of necessary materials.
(End of clause)