FAR 52.232-11—Extras.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.232-11, Extras, is a payment-control clause used in fixed-price supply contracts, fixed-price service contracts, and transportation contracts when the contracting officer determines it should be included under FAR 32.111(c)(2). The clause addresses one narrow but important subject: when the Government will pay for work, supplies, or services that are outside the contract’s original scope or otherwise treated as “extras.” It establishes a clear rule that extras are not payable unless both the extra work and its price have been authorized in writing by the contracting officer, unless the contract itself provides another rule. In practice, this clause protects the Government from unauthorized commitments and protects contractors by making the approval requirement explicit before they perform additional work expecting payment. It also ties into agency payment-due-date regulations, because the clause is inserted with any required modification to payment timing. For contractors and contracting officers, the practical significance is that scope changes, added quantities, additional services, or other extra charges must be formally approved in writing before they can be billed and paid.
Key Rules
Written authorization required
No payment for extras may be made unless the contracting officer has authorized both the extra work or item and its price in writing. Oral direction, informal discussions, or field-level approval are not enough unless they are later reduced to proper written authorization by the contracting officer.
Contract exceptions control
The clause begins with “except as otherwise provided in this contract,” which means another contract term can override or supplement the default rule for extras. If the contract contains a specific procedure for changes, adjustments, or extra compensation, that procedure governs to the extent it applies.
Applies to specified contract types
This clause is prescribed for fixed-price supply contracts, fixed-price service contracts, and transportation contracts. It is not a universal clause for all contract types, so its use depends on the procurement context and the prescription in FAR 32.111(c)(2).
Agency payment timing may be modified
The clause is inserted with appropriate modification to payment due dates in accordance with agency regulations. That means agencies may adjust the clause’s payment timing language to align with their own payment procedures, but the written-authorization requirement for extras remains unchanged.
Prevents unauthorized commitments
The clause is designed to stop contractors from performing additional work and later seeking payment without prior approval. It reinforces the rule that only the contracting officer can bind the Government to pay for extras, subject to any contract-specific exceptions.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Authorize any extra work, item, or service and its price in writing before payment can be made. Ensure the clause is included when required, apply any agency-specific payment due date modifications, and manage contract changes so extras are properly documented and within authority.
Contractor
Obtain written contracting officer authorization before performing or billing for extras. Do not rely on verbal direction, technical representative comments, or informal emails unless they are converted into proper written authorization from the contracting officer.
Agency
Follow FAR 32.111(c)(2) when deciding whether to include the clause and modify payment due dates in accordance with agency regulations. Maintain internal controls so only authorized officials approve compensable extras and payment processing reflects the contract terms.
Practical Implications
Contractors should treat any added work, added quantities, or out-of-scope effort as nonpayable until the contracting officer approves it in writing. If work starts first and approval comes later, payment may be disputed or denied.
A common pitfall is assuming that a COR, project manager, or end user can authorize extras. Unless that person has contracting authority and the approval is in writing, the Government may not be obligated to pay.
The clause is especially important in fixed-price contracts, where the baseline expectation is that the contractor performs for the agreed price. Extras must be clearly separated from the original scope and documented as authorized changes.
Contracting officers should make sure any extra authorization states both the work and the price, or at least provides a clear basis for pricing that is formally accepted in writing. Ambiguous approvals create payment disputes.
Because agency regulations may modify payment due dates, contractors should check the specific contract language rather than assuming standard payment timing applies in every case.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 32.111 (c)(2) , insert the following clause, appropriately modified with respect to payment due dates in accordance with agency regulations, in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price supply contract, fixed-price service contract, or transportation contract is contemplated: Extras (Apr 1984) Except as otherwise provided in this contract, no payment for extras shall be made unless such extras and the price therefor have been authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer. (End of clause)