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FAR Clause

52.243-1

Changes—Fixed-Price.
View on acquisition.gov · View on eCFR.gov
Effective Date
AUG 1987
Active Deviations
Versions
2 (since 2017-01-01)
RFO
RFO Version Available

The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul has published a revised version of this clause. The RFO version supersedes the eCFR text below for contracts using the RFO model; see the RFO deviation for applicability.

View RFO version
52.243-1 Changes—Fixed-Price.

As prescribed in 43.205(a)(1), insert the following clause. The 30-day period may be varied according to agency procedures.

Changes—Fixed-Price (AUG 1987)

(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:

(2) Drawings, designs, or specifications when the supplies to be furnished are to be specially manufactured for the Government in accordance with the drawings, designs, or specifications.

(2) Method of shipment or packing.

(3) Place of delivery.

(b) If any such change causes an increase or decrease in the cost of, or the time required for, performance of any part of the work under this contract, whether or not changed by the order, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment in the contract price, the delivery schedule, or both, and shall modify the contract.

(c) The Contractor must assert its right to an adjustment under this clause within 30 days from the date of receipt of the written order. However, if the Contracting Officer decides that the facts justify it, the Contracting Officer may receive and act upon a proposal submitted before final payment of the contract.

(d) If the Contractor's proposal includes the cost of property made obsolete or excess by the change, the Contracting Officer shall have the right to prescribe the manner of the disposition of the property.

(e) Failure to agree to any adjustment shall be a dispute under the Disputes clause. However, nothing in this clause shall excuse the Contractor from proceeding with the contract as changed.

(End of clause)

Alternate I
(APR 1984). If the requirement is for services, other than architect-engineer or other professional services, and no supplies are to be furnished, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:

(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:

(1) Description of services to be performed.

(2) Time of performance (i.e., hours of the day, days of the week, etc.).

(3) Place of performance of the services.

Alternate II
(APR 1984). If the requirement is for services (other than architect-engineer services, transportation, or research and development) and supplies are to be furnished, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:

(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:

(1) Description of services to be performed.

(2) Time of performance (i.e., hours of the day, days of the week, etc.).

(3) Place of performance of the services.

(4) Drawings, designs, or specifications when the supplies to be furnished are to be specially manufactured for the Government in accordance with the drawings, designs, or specifications.

(5) Method of shipment or packing of supplies.

(6) Place of delivery.

Alternate III
(APR 1984). If the requirement is for architect-engineer or other professional services, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause and add the following paragraph (f):

(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in the services to be performed.

(f) No services for which an additional cost or fee will be charged by the Contractor shall be furnished without the prior written authorization of the Contracting Officer.

Alternate IV
(APR 1984). If the requirement is for transportation services, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:

(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:

(1) Specifications.

(2) Work or services.

(3) Place of origin.

(4) Place of delivery.

(5) Tonnage to be shipped.

(6) Amount of Government-furnished property.

Alternate V
(APR 1984). If the requirement is for research and development and it is desired to include the clause, substitute the following subparagraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) and paragraph (b) for subparagraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) and paragraph (b) of the basic clause:

(a)(1) Drawings, designs, or specifications.

(3) Place of inspection, delivery, or acceptance.

(b) If any such change causes an increase or decrease in the cost of, or time required for, performing this contract, whether or not changed by the order, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment in (1) the contract price, the time of performance, or both; and (2) other affected terms of the contract, and shall modify the contract accordingly.

[48 FR 42478, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 30079, Aug. 12, 1987; 54 FR 48995, Nov. 28, 1989; 83 FR 42576, Aug. 22, 2018]
43.205(a)
(a)
(1) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.243-1, Changes-Fixed-Price, in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price contract for supplies is contemplated.

(2) If the requirement is for services, other than architect-engineer or other professional services, and no supplies are to be furnished, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateI.

(3) If the requirement is for services (other than architect-engineer services, transportation, or research and development) and supplies are to be furnished, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateII.

(4) If the requirement is for architect-engineer or other professional services, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateIII.

(5) If the requirement is for transportation services, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateIV.

(6) If it is desired to include the clause in solicitations and contracts when a research and development contract is contemplated, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its Alternate V.
Prescription data sourced from eCFR as of 2026-06-10 03:16 UTC. Cross-references within the prescription are not resolved automatically.

Regulatory Stack

The layers of regulation that govern this clause, from the FAR prescription through agency-specific supplements and any active deviations.

RFO RFO Version Overhauled clause text
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul publishes a revised version of this clause. See the RFO Version tab for the controlling authority under the RFO model.

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FAR FAR Prescription 43.205(a)
(a)
(1) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.243-1, Changes-Fixed-Price, in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price contract for supplies is contemplated.

(2) If the requirement is for services, other than architect-engineer or other professional services, and no supplies are to be furnished, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateI.

(3) If the requirement is for services (other than architect-engineer services, transportation, or research and development) and supplies are to be furnished, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateII.

(4) If the requirement is for architect-engineer or other professional services, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateIII.

(5) If the requirement is for transportation services, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateIV.

(6) If it is desired to include the clause in solicitations and contracts when a research and development contract is contemplated, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its Alternate V.

View on acquisition.gov · View on eCFR.gov

Version History

Version history is sourced from the codified eCFR. Changes published only as class deviations or by the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul do not appear here until they are incorporated into the eCFR. For RFO-driven changes see the RFO Version tab and any active deviations cited above.

2 versions tracked from 2017-01-01 to 2018-08-22.
AUG 2018 August 22, 2018 CURRENT
Removed in this version
Added in this version
Unchanged
JAN 2017 (previous)
AUG 2018 (current)
3 removed
(1)
(1) Drawings, designs, or specifications.
(1)
(1) Specifications.
5 added, 5 removed
(a)(1)
[Not present in prior version]
(a)(1)
(a)(1) Drawings, designs, or specifications.
JAN 2017 January 1, 2017 SUBSTANTIVE
Earliest version available from the eCFR

RFO Version

Comparison of the codified eCFR text against the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul revision. Highlights show additions (green) and deletions (red, struck through).

Clause Text

Substantive changes. The RFO version differs materially from the eCFR text.
eCFR (codified)
RFO (implemented)
Unchanged
52.243-1 Changes-Fixed-Price.
eCFR (codified)
RFO (implemented)
6 added, 9 removed
As prescribed in 43.205(a)(1), insert the following clause. The 30-day period may be varied according to agency procedures.
As prescribed in 43.305(a)(1), insert the following clause. Agency procedures may vary the 30-day period.
4 added, 3 removed
Changes—Fixed-Price (AUG 1987)
Changes-Fixed Price (Deviation Date)
35 removed
(a)
(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:
(a)
(a)
20 added, 25 removed
(2)
(2) Drawings, designs, or specifications when the supplies to be furnished are to be specially manufactured for the Government in accordance with the drawings, designs, or specifications.
(2)
(1) At any time, the Contracting Officer may issue a written order making changes within the scope of this contract related to:
13 added, 5 removed
(2)
(2) Method of shipment or packing.
(2)
(i) Drawings, designs, or specifications which require special manufacturing of supplies for the Government,
7 added, 3 removed
(3)
(3) Place of delivery.
(3)
(ii) The method of shipment or packing, or
3 added, 57 removed
(b)
(b) If any such change causes an increase or decrease in the cost of, or the time required for, performance of any part of the work under this contract, whether or not changed by the order, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment in the contract price, the delivery schedule, or both, and shall modify the contract.
(b)
(iii) Place of delivery.
19 added
(2)
(2)
(2) If there are any sureties, the Contracting Officer does not need to notify them of a written order.
56 added
(b)
(b)
(b) Whether or not changed by the order, if any of the changes cause an increase or decrease in the cost of, or the time required for, performance of the work under this contract, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment in the contract price, the delivery schedule, or both, and shall modify the contract.
2 added
(d)
(d) If the Contractor's proposal includes the cost of property made obsolete or excess by the change, the Contracting Officer shall have the right to prescribe the manner of the disposition of the property.
(d)
(d) If the Contractor's proposal includes the cost of property made obsolete or has become excess by the change, the Contracting Officer shall have the right to prescribe the manner of the disposition of the property.
13 added, 11 removed
Alternate I (APR 1984). If the requirement is for services, other than architect-engineer or other professional services, and no supplies are to be furnished, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:
Alternate I (Deviation Date). If no supplies are to be furnished and the requirement is for services, other than architect-engineer or other professional services, the following paragraph (a) will be substituted for paragraph (a) in the basic clause:
8 added, 16 removed
(a)
(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:
(a)
(a)(1) At any time, the Contracting Officer may issue a written order making changes within the scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:
1 added, 1 removed
(1)
(1) Description of services to be performed.
(1)
(i) Description of services to be performed.
1 added, 1 removed
(2)
(2) Time of performance (i.e., hours of the day, days of the week, etc.).
(2)
(ii) Time of performance (i.e., hours of the day, days of the week, etc.).
1 added, 1 removed
(3)
(3) Place of performance of the services.
(3)
(iii) Place of performance of the services.
15 added, 33 removed
(2)
Alternate II (APR 1984). If the requirement is for services (other than architect-engineer services, transportation, or research and development) and supplies are to be furnished, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:
(2)
(2) If there are any sureties, the Contracting Officer does not need to notify them of a written order.
34 added, 33 removed
(a)
(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:
(a)
Alternate II (Deviation Date). If the requirement is for services (other than architect-engineer services, transportation, or research and development) and supplies are to be furnished, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:
27 added, 6 removed
(1)
(1) Description of services to be performed.
(1)
(a)(1) At any time, the Contracting Officer may issue a written order making changes within the scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:
6 added, 13 removed
(2)
(2) Time of performance (i.e., hours of the day, days of the week, etc.).
(2)
(i) Description of services to be performed.
10 added, 3 removed
(3)
(3) Place of performance of the services.
(3)
(ii) Time of performance (i.e., hours of the day, days of the week, etc.).
6 added, 26 removed
(4)
(4) Drawings, designs, or specifications when the supplies to be furnished are to be specially manufactured for the Government in accordance with the drawings, designs, or specifications.
(4)
(iii) Place of performance of the services.
13 added, 7 removed
(5)
(5) Method of shipment or packing of supplies.
(5)
(iv) Drawings, designs, or specifications which require special manufacturing of supplies for the Government.
7 added, 3 removed
(6)
(6) Place of delivery.
(6)
(v) Method of shipment or packing of supplies.
3 added, 31 removed
(vi)
Alternate III (APR 1984). If the requirement is for architect-engineer or other professional services, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause and add the following paragraph (f):
(vi)
(vi) Place of delivery.
15 added, 30 removed
(a)
(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in the services to be performed.
(a)
(2) If there are any sureties, the Contracting Officer does not need to notify them of a written order.
32 added
Alternate III (Deviation Date). If the requirement is for architect-engineer or other professional services, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause and add the following paragraph (f):
27 added
(a)(1)
(a)(1)
(a)(1) At any time, the Contracting Officer may issue a written order to make changes within the scope of this contract in the services to be performed.
19 added
(2)
(2)
(2) If there are any sureties, the Contracting Officer does not need to notify them of a written order.
2 added, 2 removed
Alternate IV (APR 1984). If the requirement is for transportation services, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:
Alternate IV (Deviation Date). If the requirement is for transportation services, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:
7 added, 14 removed
(a)
(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:
(a)
(a)(1) At any time, the Contracting Officer may issue a written order to make changes within the scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:
1 added, 1 removed
(1)
(1) Specifications.
(1)
(i) Specifications.
1 added, 1 removed
(2)
(2) Work or services.
(2)
(ii) Work or services.
1 added, 1 removed
(3)
(3) Place of origin.
(3)
(iii) Place of origin.
1 added, 1 removed
(4)
(4) Place of delivery.
(4)
(iv) Place of delivery.
1 added, 1 removed
(5)
(5) Tonnage to be shipped.
(5)
(v) Tonnage to be shipped.
1 added, 1 removed
(6)
(6) Amount of Government-furnished property.
(6)
(vi) Amount of Government-furnished property.
15 added, 38 removed
(2)
Alternate V (APR 1984). If the requirement is for research and development and it is desired to include the clause, substitute the following subparagraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) and paragraph (b) for subparagraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) and paragraph (b) of the basic clause:
(2)
(2) If there are any sureties, the Contracting Officer does not need to notify them of a written order.
42 added, 5 removed
(a)(1)
(a)(1) Drawings, designs, or specifications.
(a)(1)
Alternate V (Deviation Date). If the requirement is for research and development and it is desired to include the clause, substitute the following subparagraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(iii) and paragraph (b) for subparagraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(iii) and paragraph (b) of the basic clause:
1 added, 7 removed
(3)
(3) Place of inspection, delivery, or acceptance.
(3)
(a)(1)
4 added, 60 removed
(b)
(b) If any such change causes an increase or decrease in the cost of, or time required for, performing this contract, whether or not changed by the order, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment in (1) the contract price, the time of performance, or both; and (2) other affected terms of the contract, and shall modify the contract accordingly.
(b)
(i) Drawings, designs, or specifications.
7 added, 27 removed
(iii)
[48 FR 42478, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 30079, Aug. 12, 1987; 54 FR 48995, Nov. 28, 1989; 83 FR 42576, Aug. 22, 2018]
(iii)
(iii) Place of inspection, delivery, or acceptance.
37 added
(b)
(b)
(b) If any such change causes an increase or decrease in the cost of, or time required for, performing this contract, whether or not changed by the order, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment in—
11 added
(1)
(1)
(1) The contract price, the time of performance, or both; and
13 added
(2)
(2)
(2) Other affected terms of the contract, and shall modify the contract accordingly.

Prescription

Substantive changes. The RFO prescription differs materially from the eCFR prescription.
eCFR (codified)
RFO (implemented)
Unchanged
52.243-1 Changes-Fixed-Price.: Prescription
eCFR (codified)
RFO (implemented)
1 added, 2 removed
(a)
(a) (1) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.243-1, Changes-Fixed-Price, in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price contract for supplies is contemplated.
(a)
(1) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.243-1, Changes-Fixed-Price, in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price contract for supplies is anticipated.
31 removed
(2)
(2) If the requirement is for services, other than architect-engineer or other professional services, and no supplies are to be furnished, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateI.
(2)
32 removed
(3)
(3) If the requirement is for services (other than architect-engineer services, transportation, or research and development) and supplies are to be furnished, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateII.
(3)
21 removed
(4)
(4) If the requirement is for architect-engineer or other professional services, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateIII.
(4)
18 removed
(5)
(5) If the requirement is for transportation services, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its AlternateIV.
(5)
32 removed
(6)
(6) If it is desired to include the clause in solicitations and contracts when a research and development contract is contemplated, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its Alternate V.
(6)

Source: acquisition.gov RFO Part 52 · Prescribing Part 43

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