The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has suspended the Defense Department’s contracting activities and nearly all government functions, DoD Buzz reported Monday.Kris Osborn quoted Pentagon spokesman Cmdr. Bill Urban as saying the shutdown puts the awarding of fresh contracts at a halt except for safety, property protection, emergency and medical services.
Urban told the publication current contracts funded with the fiscal 2012 budget will proceed while those subject to renewal will freeze during the government shutdown.
Pentagon officials also told DoD Buzz several rapid acquisitions, research and development activities and science and technology programs will also shut down.
Pentagon Spokeswoman Jennifer Elzea said the impact depends on the time and process with which a certain activity was funded, Osborn reports.
“The administration does not want a lapse in appropriations to occur. However, prudent management requires that the Department be prepared for the possibility of a lapse in appropriation,†said Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter in a memo on September 25.
