p>To further assist the contractor community with the effects of the unprecedented Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) issued on April 8, 2020 a Class Deviation authorizing contracting officers to use a new clause – DFARS 231.205-79, CARES Act Section 3610 Implementation – to address contractor reimbursement under Section 3610 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Pub. L. 116-136). Section 3610 allows agencies to reimburse paid leave, including sick leave, that a contractor provides to keep its employees or subcontractors in a ready state, including to protect the life and safety of Government and contractor personnel, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paid leave is reimbursable at the contractor's minimum billing rates under its contracts, and may be allowed for up to an average of 40 hours per week.
For more information on the Class Deviation and its impact on contractors, check out our summary of key provisions available here. In addition, for your reference, DoD recently has published Implementation Guidance for Section 3610 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, as well as FAQs. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about the Class Deviation or its implementation.
NEW!! Check out Sheppard Mullin's Coronavirus Insights Portal which now aggregates the firm's various COVID-19 blog posts on a broad range of topics. Click here to view and subscribe.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.