FAR 52.246-13—Inspection-Dismantling, Demolition, or Removal of Improvements.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.246-13 sets the inspection and quality-control framework for contracts involving dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements. It covers Government inspection rights, the contractor’s duty to provide access and support for inspection, the Government’s obligation not to unreasonably delay the work, the contractor’s responsibility for defective workmanship and resulting property damage, the duty to remove and replace unsatisfactory facilities, materials, and equipment, and the Government’s remedies if the contractor does not promptly correct problems. It also addresses the Government’s ability to obtain corrective work by other means and charge the cost to the contractor, as well as the possibility of termination for default. In practical terms, this clause gives the Government strong oversight over hazardous or irreversible work while placing primary responsibility on the contractor to perform safely, competently, and without delay. It is especially important because demolition and dismantling work can create immediate safety risks, hidden structural issues, and costly damage if workmanship is poor. The clause also makes clear that the contractor and any surety may be financially liable for repair or replacement costs to the extent stated in the contract.
Key Rules
Government inspection rights
All workmanship is subject to Government inspection at all times and places where the dismantling or demolition work is being performed, unless the specifications say otherwise. This means the Government may observe and evaluate the work throughout performance, not just at final completion.
Contractor must support inspection
The contractor must promptly provide all reasonable facilities, labor, and materials needed for safe and convenient Government inspection, at no increase in contract price. The contractor cannot charge extra for ordinary inspection support.
Inspection cannot unduly delay work
The Government must conduct inspections in a way that does not unduly delay performance. This balances oversight with the contractor’s need to keep the job moving and prevents inspection from becoming a de facto work stoppage.
Defective workmanship is contractor risk
The contractor is responsible for damage to property caused by defective workmanship. If poor work causes harm, the contractor bears the corrective burden rather than the Government.
Remove and replace unsatisfactory items
The contractor must promptly segregate and remove unsatisfactory facilities, materials, and equipment used in performance and replace them with satisfactory items. This applies to items that do not meet contract requirements or are otherwise unsuitable for the work.
Government corrective remedies
If the contractor does not immediately proceed in a workmanlike manner or correct defective workmanship, the Government may replace the facilities, materials, or equipment or correct the work itself and charge the cost to the contractor. This gives the Government a direct remedy to protect the project and the property.
Default termination remains available
If the contractor fails to proceed at once in a workmanlike manner, the Government may terminate the contractor’s right to proceed for default. This is a serious enforcement tool reserved for significant nonperformance or refusal to correct problems.
Contractor and surety liability
The contractor and any surety are liable, to the extent specified in the contract, for damage or repair/replacement costs. This clause preserves financial recovery rights and may extend exposure beyond the contractor alone depending on the contract terms and bonding.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer / Government
Inspect workmanship throughout performance as allowed by the specifications, conduct inspections without unduly delaying the work, and use contractual remedies if the contractor fails to perform in a workmanlike manner or correct defects. The Government may also arrange corrective work by others and charge the cost to the contractor, or terminate for default when warranted.
Contractor
Perform all dismantling, demolition, or removal work in a workmanlike manner; provide reasonable access, facilities, labor, and materials for inspection; promptly remove and replace unsatisfactory facilities, materials, and equipment; and promptly correct defective workmanship and any resulting damage to property.
Surety
Remain financially liable, to the extent specified in the contract, for damage or repair/replacement costs associated with the contractor’s defective workmanship or failure to perform. The surety’s exposure depends on the bond and contract terms.
Specifications / Contract Drafter
State any designations or exceptions if the Government does not want all workmanship subject to inspection at all times and places. The specifications can modify the default inspection scope established by the clause.
Practical Implications
Demolition and dismantling work is high-risk and often irreversible, so inspection rights are broad and continuous; contractors should expect active Government oversight on site.
Contractors should build in strong quality control, safety controls, and rapid correction procedures because defective workmanship can trigger immediate Government intervention and cost recovery.
A common pitfall is assuming inspection support is billable extra work; under this clause, reasonable inspection facilities, labor, and materials must be provided at no increase in price.
If the contractor does not respond quickly to defective work, the Government can step in, hire others, and back-charge the contractor, which can quickly escalate costs and disputes.
Because default termination is expressly available, repeated safety, workmanship, or responsiveness failures can jeopardize the entire contract, not just the disputed portion of the work.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 46.313 , insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements: Inspection-Dismantling, Demolition, or Removal of Improvements (Aug 1996) (a) Unless otherwise designated by the specifications, all workmanship performed under the contract is subject to Government inspection at all times and places where dismantling or demolition work is being performed. The Contractor shall furnish promptly, and at no increase in contract price, all reasonable facilities, labor, and materials necessary for safe and convenient inspection by the Government. The Government shall perform inspections in a manner that will not unduly delay the work. (b) The Contractor is responsible for damage to property caused by defective workmanship. The Contractor shall promptly segregate and remove from the premises any unsatisfactory facilities, materials, and equipment used in contract performance, and promptly replace them with satisfactory items. If the Contractor fails to proceed at once in a workmanlike manner with performance of the work or with the correction of defective workmanship, the Government may- (1) By contract or otherwise, replace the facilities, materials, and equipment or correct the workmanship and charge the cost to the Contractor; and (2) Terminate for default the Contractor’s right to proceed. The Contractor and any surety shall be liable, to the extent specified in the contract for any damage or cost of repair or replacement. (End of clause)