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Force Majeure Procedures

Document Type: Procedure
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: Project Managers, Executives

Purpose​

Establish procedures for handling force majeure events that prevent contract performance.

What is Force Majeure?​

Force majeure ("superior force") refers to unforeseeable events beyond parties' control that prevent contract performance.

Common Force Majeure Events:​

  • Natural disasters (earthquake, flood, hurricane)
  • Pandemic/epidemic
  • War, terrorism, civil unrest
  • Government actions (embargoes, shutdowns)
  • Labor strikes (sometimes)
  • Extreme weather (beyond normal)

Typically NOT Force Majeure:​

  • Normal weather delays
  • Financial difficulties
  • Market changes
  • Subcontractor default
  • Equipment breakdown
  • Labor shortages (usually)

Contract Language Matters​

Review Your Contract For:​

  • Definition of force majeure
  • Specific events listed
  • Notice requirements
  • Documentation requirements
  • Remedies available
  • Termination rights

Common Contract Provisions:​

Narrow Definition: "Acts of God, war, terrorism, or government action"

Broad Definition: "Events beyond reasonable control including but not limited to..."

When Force Majeure Event Occurs​

Step 1: Identify and Assess​

Determine:

  • Is this a force majeure event?
  • Does contract cover this event?
  • What is the impact?
  • How long might it last?

Step 2: Provide Notice​

Immediately:

  • Written notice to owner/GC
  • Reference contract provision
  • Describe event and impact
  • Request relief

Notice Template:

[Date]

VIA: [Certified Mail/Email]

[Owner/GC]
[Address]

RE: Notice of Force Majeure Event
    Project: [Name]
    Contract: [Number/Date]

Dear [Name]:

This letter serves as formal notice pursuant to Section [X.X] 
of the Contract that a force majeure event has occurred.

EVENT: [Description of event - e.g., government-ordered shutdown]

DATE OF OCCURRENCE: [Date]

IMPACT ON WORK:
[Describe specific impact on project work]

ANTICIPATED DURATION: [Best estimate]

RELIEF REQUESTED:
☐ Extension of contract time
☐ Suspension of work
☐ Cost relief (if contract allows)

We will continue to keep you informed of developments and 
will mitigate impacts to the extent possible.

Please contact me to discuss.

Sincerely,
[Signature]

Step 3: Document Thoroughly​

Maintain Records Of:

  • Event documentation (news, orders, etc.)
  • Impact on work
  • Dates and duration
  • Costs incurred
  • Mitigation efforts
  • Communication

Step 4: Mitigate​

Take Reasonable Steps To:

  • Minimize impact
  • Protect work in place
  • Preserve materials
  • Maintain site security
  • Continue work unaffected by event

Step 5: Track Impacts​

Document:

  • Days of delay
  • Work affected
  • Costs (extended conditions, etc.)
  • Schedule impact
  • Efforts to resume

Step 6: Resume and Recover​

When Event Ends:

  • Notify owner/GC
  • Assess damage/impact
  • Plan resumption
  • Update schedule
  • Submit time extension request
  • Submit cost claim (if applicable)

Time Extension Request​

Include:​

  • Description of event
  • Dates of impact
  • Critical path analysis
  • Days of extension requested
  • Supporting documentation

Cost Recovery​

What May Be Recoverable:​

  • Extended general conditions
  • Demobilization/remobilization
  • Material storage
  • Escalation
  • Protective measures

What's Typically NOT Recoverable:​

  • Lost profit on unperformed work
  • Idle labor (unless on standby)
  • Home office overhead (varies)

Check Contract Language

Force Majeure Documentation Log​

================================================================
       FORCE MAJEURE EVENT LOG
================================================================

Project: ___________________________________________________

Event: ____________________________________________________

Start Date: ___________________  End Date: __________________

================================================================

| Date | Activity/Impact | Documentation |
|------|-----------------|---------------|
|      |                 |               |
|      |                 |               |

================================================================

NOTICES SENT:

☐ Initial Notice     Date: _________________________________
☐ Updates           Dates: _________________________________
☐ Resumption Notice  Date: _________________________________

================================================================

RELIEF REQUESTED:

Time Extension: ________ days
Cost: $__________________

RELIEF GRANTED:

Time Extension: ________ days
Cost: $__________________

================================================================

Recent Considerations (Post-COVID)​

Lessons Learned:​

  • Review force majeure clauses before signing
  • Negotiate broader coverage
  • Include pandemic/epidemic
  • Clarify notice requirements
  • Address cost recovery

Supply Chain Issues:​

  • May or may not be force majeure
  • Depends on contract language
  • Document unavailability
  • Show efforts to procure elsewhere
  • Change Order Management
  • Claims Procedures
  • Notice Requirements
  • Schedule Management

Template provided by support.construction. Always consult legal counsel for force majeure matters.

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