Claimant, an airplane mechanic in Abeche, Chad, alleged work-related injuries to his hip, lower back and legs. Employer successfully argued to the administrative law judge (“ALJ”) that the Defense Base Act did not cover Claimant’s injuries because Claimant was not working under a contract with the United States. Instead, Employer’s “humanitarian air transport services in Chad [were] funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of State (DOS) and a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) . . . .” Because the term “contract” was not defined by the Defense Base Act, the ALJ interpreted “contract” in accordance with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, 31 U.S.C. § 6301, et seq. The ALJ determined that Claimant was not working under a “contract” within the meaning of Section 1(a)(5) of the Defense Base Act. Consequently, the ALJ granted Employer’s Motion for Summary Decision. SectionRead more