What must a contracting officer do if a subcontractor refuses to accept a particular DFARS clause?

The appropriate course of action when a subcontractor refuses to accept a particular DFARS clause is to consult with legal counsel and determine impacts. This approach ensures that the contracting officer fully understands the legal implications of the refusal and can assess the ramifications of not including that clause in the subcontract. The DFARS clauses are integral to compliance with federal regulations and maintaining the integrity of contracts, so it's crucial to evaluate how the absence of a specific clause may affect the contractual obligations and risks.

Engaging legal counsel allows the contracting officer to explore all options and ensure that the final decision supports compliance with the overall contract requirements while still facilitating the ability for the subcontractor to participate effectively. This process also aids in mitigating any risks associated with non-compliance or changes in the terms of the subcontract.

While other choices like removing the clause or negotiating a different clause could seem like immediate solutions, these actions may not address the broader legal and compliance issues that could arise. Automatic termination, for example, could be a drastic and unnecessary step without first assessing the situation with legal guidance. Thus, consulting with legal counsel provides a balanced and informed strategy in dealing with such circumstances.