XL EagleASBCA (Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals)
ASBCA stands for Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals. The Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) is an independent board that hears contract disputes between contractors and the Department of Defense. It also hears NASA contract disputes.
After a contracting officer issues a final decision on a claim, a contractor can appeal to the ASBCA, generally within 90 days. The board offers expedited procedures for smaller claims and alternative dispute resolution.
Why it matters to a small contractor
If a military contracting officer denies payment for extra work or issues a default termination, the ASBCA is your usual appeal path. Small firms do bring cases there, sometimes without a lawyer on smaller claims, but missing the deadline ends the case.
Example
A roofing contractor's claim for added work on a hangar is denied by an Air Force contracting officer, and it appeals to the ASBCA within 90 days.
ASBCA: common questions
Does the ASBCA handle bid protests?
No. Bid protests go to the agency, GAO, or the Court of Federal Claims. The ASBCA handles disputes during contract performance.
How long do I have to appeal to the ASBCA?
Generally 90 days from receiving the contracting officer's final decision. You may instead file at the Court of Federal Claims within 12 months.
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