Imagine that you are a contracts officer for the Department of Energy (DOE). You have been asked to review bids from contractors who have developed a new widget for saving the American public 25 percent on their energy bills. Once an award is made, the contractors will receive the contract, which includes provisions to minimize risks and define rights and obligations, from the Department of Energy. Review Federal Acquisition Review (FAR) 52.246-1 Contractor Inspection Requirements. Note: You may create and/or make all the necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment.

Evaluate the importance of the standard default clause. As a contracts officer for the DOE, suggest two ways in which you could combine the standard default clause with the FARs delay provision for the protection of both parties to the contract. Provide a rationale for your response. 
Speculate on the impact that a contracting officers changes to the payment terms within the contract would exert upon both the government and the contractor. Next, suggest the most secure method for making a contractual change. Justify your response.
As a contracts officer for the DOE, suggest two improvements that you would make to the inspection procedure in order to make the procedure more efficient. Provide a rationale for your response.