Design vs. Performance Specifications: Navigating what constitutes “justifiable” reliance under the Spearin Doctrine after Sheffield Korte.

Smith Currie Oles – On May 22, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“Federal Circuit”), in affirming a decision of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (“Board”), clarified and ultimately weakened the implied warranty protections afforded to government contractors under the Spearin Doctrine.