Reading Room Document

Indemnification of government contractors for liability arising from government programs.

The document responds to a letter regarding indemnification of government contractors for liability arising from government programs. It discusses the proposed amendment to Executive Order No. 10789, which would authorize indemnity contracts for activities giving rise to the possibility of catastrophic losses. The conclusion reached is that the President has the power to make the proposed change in the Executive order, as it falls within the authority granted by the legislation. The document presents questions regarding the use of specific language in the Executive order and whether particular cases fall under the order.

October 23, 1981