The Treasury Secretary has set a rate of 4.50% for the period July 1 through December 31, 2004.  The new rate is an increase from the 4.00% rate applicable in the first six months of 2004. The Secretary of the Treasury semiannually establishes an interest rate that is then applied for several government contract-related purposes.  Among other things, the rates apply to (1) what a contractor must pay the government under the “Interest” clause at FAR 52.232-17 and (2) what the government must pay a contractor on either a claim decided in its favor under the Contract Disputes Act or payment delays under the Prompt Payment Act.  The rate also applies to cost of money calculations under Cost Accounting Standards 414 and 417 as well as FAR 31.205-10 and when a discount factor is used to calculate the present value of future payments (e.g. deferred compensation) (Fed. Reg. 38,952).

{TAG_FORM_TITLE}