FAR 49.602-4—Partial payments.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 49.602-4 is a very short procedural provision that tells contracting parties what form must be used when a contractor seeks a partial payment under a termination settlement or similar termination-related payment process. Its only express subject is the use of Standard Form 1440, Application for Partial Payment, and it points readers to FAR 49.112-1 for the related instructions and context. In practice, this section matters because it standardizes how a contractor requests interim payment before final settlement is complete, helping the government review the request consistently and reducing disputes over format or missing information. Although the rule is brief, it sits within the broader termination settlement framework, so it supports orderly administration of partial payments, documentation, and auditability. For contractors, the practical significance is that using the wrong form or an informal request can delay payment; for contracting officers, it provides a clear administrative requirement to enforce.
Key Rules
Use SF 1440
Standard Form 1440, Application for Partial Payment, must be used to apply for partial payments. The section does not authorize substitute formats unless another FAR provision or agency procedure specifically allows it.
Follow related guidance
The section directs users to FAR 49.112-1, which contains the related instructions and procedural details for partial payment requests. This means SF 1440 is not used in isolation; it must be completed and processed in accordance with the broader termination payment rules.
Responsibilities
Contractor
Prepare and submit the request for partial payment on Standard Form 1440, and ensure the form is complete and consistent with the applicable termination settlement requirements.
Contracting Officer
Require use of Standard Form 1440 for partial payment requests and process the submission under the applicable FAR termination procedures, including the guidance in FAR 49.112-1.
Agency
Maintain the prescribed form and internal procedures so partial payment requests are handled uniformly and in accordance with the FAR.
Practical Implications
A contractor that submits a partial payment request on an informal letter or internal company form risks delay because the FAR requires SF 1440.
Because this section is only a form requirement, users must also check FAR 49.112-1 and the surrounding termination provisions to understand what supporting information is needed.
Contracting officers should verify that the request is on the correct standard form before processing payment to avoid administrative errors and inconsistent treatment.
This rule helps create a clear audit trail for partial payments, which is important when termination costs are later reviewed or settled in full.
Official Regulatory Text
Standard Form 1440 , Application for Partial Payment, shall be used to apply for partial payments (see 49.112-1 ).