If a contracting officer denies a contractor's claim in a Contracting Officer's Final Decision, what must the contractor do?

When a contracting officer denies a contractor's claim in a Contracting Officer's Final Decision, the contractor is required to continue performing the contract. This principle is rooted in the concept of maintaining contractual obligations and ensuring project continuity until the matter can be further resolved. The contractor cannot simply stop work or abandon the contract due to a dispute over a claim, as doing so could lead to further complications, such as breach of contract or the possibility of damages for non-compliance.

Continuing contract performance allows the contractor to fulfill their obligations while also preserving their rights to appeal or negotiate the claim at a later stage. This course of action ensures that the government contract remains functional and that the contractor does not invoke potential penalties for non-performance during the resolution process.

The other options involve actions that would not be appropriate immediately following a denial of a claim. For instance, filing an appeal might seem like a suitable next step, but per the regulations, continuing with the existing work under the contract takes precedence. Negotiating with the contracting officer can occur later, but it should not disrupt the ongoing contract performance. Terminating the contract would typically not be an advisable or immediate response and could lead to significant ramifications for the contractor. Thus, maintaining contract performance is the correct response to a