Notice to Judiciary Contractors Regarding Lapse in Appropriations

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana is issuing this notice to inform judiciary contractors of judiciary-wide plans regarding contract actions that may be necessary on or about October 17 in the absence of a continuing resolution or FY 2026 appropriation. Since no appropriation or continuing resolution has been enacted for the upcoming fiscal year, funds may not be available for contracted supplies and services, and the judiciary's ability to manage its contracts will be limited.

When a government shutdown occurs, non-excepted government activities cease and performance under contracts may be affected. A shutdown, a sovereign act of the government, may prevent contractors and the judiciary from fulfilling their contractual obligations to each other due to circumstances beyond their control. In other cases, the government may cancel planned procurements, reduce the scope of contracts, stop work under contracts or terminate contracts.

Should judiciary contracting officers determine that any of these actions is necessary, or that contractors or the judiciary will be unable to fulfill their obligations due to a shutdown, a contracting officer will provide contractors with prompt notice and instructions for each affected contract. Unless notified in writing by a contracting officer, judiciary contractors must continue to fulfill their contractual obligations to the judiciary (i.e. contractors must continue to comply with all terms, conditions, and delivery and performance requirements specified in their contracts during the period covered by a lapse in appropriations).

Thank you for your continued support and business with the federal judiciary and for your cooperation as we work together to manage the lapse in appropriations.