Alleged Deficiencies in a Painting Contract at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas

A follow-up of alleged deficiencies in a pointing contract at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, revealed that the Army and the contractor have reached a proposed settlement and that the contractor has agreed to correct certain deficiencies identified by the Army. Upon correction of the deficiencies, the Army has agreed to release approximately $15,000 which has been withheld on the contract. Army personnel were remiss in discharging some of their responsibilities with regard to the contract: they failed to properly and timely test paint samples to ensure that paint was of acceptable quality; neither the contracting officer nor his representatives specifically stated to the contractor in writing what was required in certain poorly worded areas of the contract; and inspectors did not adequately document instances where the contractor failed to comply with terms of the contract.