relevant observations, must notify  the contractor: 

(a) of the withdrawal of its intention to reduce payment; or 

(b) of its final decision to reduce payment and the corresponding amount. 

## II.16.3. Claims and liability 

Any reduction in price does not affect the contractor’s actual or potential liability or the contracting authority’s rights under Article II.18. 

## II.17.1. Suspension by the contractor 

## II.17. SUSPENSION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTRACT 

If the contractor is affected by force majeure , it may suspend the performance of the contract . 

The contractor must immediately notify the contracting authority of the suspension. The notification must include a description of the force majeure and state when the contractor expects to resume the performance of the contract . 

The contractor must notify the contracting authority as soon as it is able to resume performance of the contract , unless the contracting authority has already terminated the contract. 

The contracting authority may suspend the performance of the contract  or any part of it: 

(a) if the procedure for awarding the contract or the  proves to have been subject to irregularities, fraud or  breach of obligations ; 

(b) in order to verify whether the presumed irregularities, fraud  or breach of obligations have actually occurred. 

## II.17.2. Suspension by the contracting authority 

The contracting authority must formally notify  the contractor of the suspension and the reasons for it. Suspension takes effect on the date of formal notification , or at a later date if the formal notification  so provides. 

The contracting authority must notify  the contractor as soon as the verification is completed whether: 

(a) it is lifting the suspension; or 

(b) it intends to terminate the contract under Article II.18.1(f) or (j). 

The contractor is not entitled to compensation for suspension of any part of the contract. The contracting authority may in addition suspend the time allowed for payments in accordance with Article II.21.7. 

## II.18.1. Grounds for termination by the contracting authority 

## II.18. TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT 

The contracting authority may terminate the contract in the following circumstances: 

(a) if provision of the services under the contract has not actually started within 15 days of the scheduled date and the contracting authority considers that the new date proposed, if any, unacceptable, taking into account Article II.11.2; 

(b) if the contractor is unable, through its own fault, to obtain any permit or licence required for performance of the contract ; 

(c) if the contractor does not perform the contract in accordance with the tender specifications or is in breach of another substantial contractual obligation. 

