In plain English
FAR 52.243-2, Changes-Cost-Reimbursement, is a contract clause prescribed at FAR 43.205(b)(1), most recently dated Aug 1987. The complete official text is reproduced below, verbatim, from GSA's published FAR source files.
Its text contains no sentence requiring insertion into subcontracts; see the flowdown section below for what that does and does not mean.
Does it flow down to subcontracts?
No flowdown mandate found in the clause text
We scanned the full clause text and found no sentence directing the contractor to insert this clause into subcontracts. That is a statement about the text, not legal advice: a prime contractor may still flow terms down contractually, an agency supplement (DFARS, VAAR, …) may add requirements, and clauses listed below (if any) may order this clause into subcontracts from the outside.
Where it's prescribed
As prescribed in 43.205(b)(1), insert the following clause. The 30-day period may be varied according to agency procedures.
Prescribing reference: FAR 43.205(b)(1).
The official text, verbatim
As prescribed in 43.205(b)(1), insert the following clause. The 30-day period may be varied according to agency procedures.
Changes-Cost-Reimbursement (Aug 1987)
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(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:
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(1) Drawings, designs, or specifications when the supplies to be furnished are to be specially manufactured for the Government in accordance with the drawings, designs, or specifications.
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(2) Method of shipment or packing.
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(3) Place of delivery.
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(b) If any such change causes an increase or decrease in the estimated cost of, or the time required for, performance of any part of the work under this contract, whether or not changed by the order, or otherwise affects any other terms and conditions of this contract, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment in the-
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(1) Estimated cost, delivery or completion schedule, or both;
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(2) Amount of any fixed fee; and
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(3) Other affected terms and shall modify the contract accordingly.
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(c) The Contractor must assert its right to an adjustment under this clause within 30 days from the date of receipt of the written order. However, if the Contracting Officer decides that the facts justify it, the Contracting Officer may receive and act upon a proposal submitted before final payment of the contract.
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(d) Failure to agree to any adjustment shall be a dispute under the Disputes clause. However, nothing in this clause shall excuse the Contractor from proceeding with the contract as changed.
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(e) Notwithstanding the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this clause, the estimated cost of this contract and, if this contract is incrementally funded, the funds allotted for the performance of this contract, shall not be increased or considered to be increased except by specific written modification of the contract indicating the new contract estimated cost and, if this contract is incrementally funded, the new amount allotted to the contract. Until this modification is made, the Contractor shall not be obligated to continue performance or incur costs beyond the point established in the Limitation of Cost or Limitation of Funds clause of this contract.
(End of clause)
Alternate I (Apr 1984). If the requirement is for services and no supplies are to be furnished, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:
(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:
(1) Description of services to be performed.
(2) Time of performance (i.e., hours of the day, days of the week, etc.).
(3) Place of performance of the services.
Alternate II (Apr 1984). If the requirement is for services and supplies are to be furnished, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:
(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:
(1) Description of services to be performed.
(2) Time of performance (i.e., hours of the day, days of the week, etc.).
(3) Place of performance of the services.
(4) Drawings, designs, or specifications when the supplies to be furnished are to be specially manufactured for the Government in accordance with the drawings, designs, or specifications.
(5) Method of shipment or packing of supplies.
(6) Place of delivery.
Alternate III (Apr 1984). If the requirement is for construction, substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:
(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in the plans and specifications or instructions incorporated in the contract.
Alternate IV [Reserved]
Alternate V (Apr 1984). If the requirement is for research and development, and it is desired to include the clause, substitute the following paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) for paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) of the basic clause:
(a) ***
(1) Drawings, designs, or specifications.
(3) Place of inspection, delivery, or acceptance.