PSC Provides Guidance to Federal Contractors to Prepare for Potential Government Shutdown

Arlington, Va. (Dec. 18, 2018)—Unless full Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations are enacted before midnight Dec. 21, some of the government will have to be funded temporarily under a Continuing Resolution (CR) or risk a shutdown of all but essential operations. Both scenarios present unique challenges and specialized rules for federal contractors, and it is essential that companies understand the implications and take proactive steps now to be prepared. 

“The chances of a government shutdown are hard for us to predict, but if it were to occur, the consequences can be quite significant,” said David J. Berteau, president and CEO of the Professional Services Council (PSC). “We believe it is prudent for companies to prepare, as a government shutdown has economic impact all the way down the chain for the contractor community. History says that while civilian employees who are forced not to work will eventually be paid, contractors under the same instructions will not be.”

PSC offers various guidance on how federal contractors can best prepare for a potential shutdown.

VIEW our Government Shutdown Resource Center with information including news articles and agency guidance.

WATCH PSC’s webinar on preparing for a government shutdown or CR, hosted by Berteau and PSC Executive Vice President and Counsel Alan Chvotkin. Webinar topics include:
 How should companies adjust strategy, execution, and communication under a CR?
 What should companies ask their customers, and what should companies tell their employees, and when?
 What actions should a contractor take to prepare for a government shutdown?
 What actions are necessary after a shutdown?

READ PSC’s Smart Contracting Working Group white paper, which was shared with the Office of Management and Budget in October. The white paper advocates for adding to existing “shutdown” guidance by providing language in contracts (along with task orders and delivery orders) clearly stating which work may continue in the event of a lapse in appropriations.

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Media Contact: 
Ashlei Stevens
Director, Media Relations
703.875.8974  stevens@pscouncil.org 
About PSC: PSC is the voice of the government technology and professional services industry. PSC’s nearly 400 member companies represent small, medium and large businesses that provide federal agencies with services of all kinds, including information technology, engineering, logistics, facilities management, operations and maintenance, consulting, international development, scientific, social, environmental services, and more. Together, the trade association’s members employ hundreds of thousands of Americans in all 50 states. Follow PSC on Twitter @PSCSpeaks. To learn more, visit www.pscouncil.org.