Whitey's Welding & Fabrication, Inc. v. United States

OPINION

KOZINSKI, Chief Judge.

This case presents a question of first impression: whether the Contract Disputes Act gives this court jurisdiction over a claim based on a maritime contract. Jurisdiction over such claims has historically resided in the district courts.

Facts

In February 1981, defendant awarded a fixed price contract to plaintiff for repairs to the USNS KILAUEA. While performing repair work on the vessel, plaintiff allegedly discovered a number of unanticipated defects that had to be corrected. Plaintiff seeks compensation for the resulting delay and increased costs. Defendant has…