Which act provides the legal framework for resolving disputes in government contracts?

The Contract Disputes Act establishes the legal framework for resolving disputes that arise from government contracts. This act outlines the procedures for claims, appeals, and the resolution of disagreements between contractors and government agencies. It provides a structured process for both parties to address grievances related to contract performance, including the submission of claims and the steps for adjudicating these claims either through agency boards or the courts.

Understanding this act is essential for contracting officers and representatives because it directly affects how disputes are managed and the rights of the parties involved. The act helps ensure a fair process and aims to minimize prolonged disputes, which can disrupt contract execution and the overall mission of the agency.

The other options do not specifically focus on the resolution of disputes in government contracts, making them less relevant in this context. For example, the Federal Acquisition Regulation is a comprehensive set of rules governing the acquisition process but does not specifically address dispute resolution in the way that the Contract Disputes Act does.