Claim Settlement by D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development

The claim was reviewed of a contractor to the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development for additional construction expenses incurred when parts of an old foundation were discovered at the site leased by the contractor from the District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency (RLA), a subordinate agency of the department. Information concerning the old foundation was in the department files, but RLA argues that it was not obligated to disclose such data under the terms of the contract. RLA has authority to settle and compromise valid claims, but the burden is on the claimant to establish RLA liability. GAO suggests that the claimant retain legal counsel to present his claim.