If a contractor fails to deliver missiles on time, what action can the Navy take?

When a contractor fails to deliver missiles on time, the Navy has the ability to terminate the contract for default, especially when timely delivery is critical to the mission. This action is typically taken when the contractor has not met the agreed-upon deliverables and fails to rectify the situation, jeopardizing project timelines and potentially national security.

Terminating the contract for default allows the Navy to seek an alternative contractor who can fulfill the necessary requirements on time. This is essential for maintaining operational integrity and ensuring that any impacts from delays are minimized. Such an action is often governed by the terms of the contract and applicable regulations, which stipulate that the government has the right to terminate a contract when the contractor fails to perform satisfactorily.

While other options may seem plausible, they do not address the immediate need to ensure project continuity and effectiveness. Reassessing the contract or requesting a delay could potentially prolong the issue without resolving the underlying performance problem. Increasing the budget does not necessarily fix the failure to deliver and may not be a viable solution if the contractor cannot perform effectively regardless of financial resources. Therefore, taking decisive action through contract termination is often deemed necessary in such situations.