decision, (3) the amount of discretion given to the official, and (4) whether the official violated an applicable statute or regulation.” McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. United States, 182 F.3d 1319, 1326 (Fed.Cir.1999) (quoting United States Fid. & Guar. Co. v. United States, 230 Ct.Cl. 355, 676 F.2d 622, 630 (1982)). The government bears the burden of showing that the termination was justified. Lisbon Contractors, Inc. v. United States, 828 F.2d 759, 765 (Fed.Cir.1987). One of the relevant factors in determining whether a contractor is in default is the contractor’s failure to meet contract specifications. McDonnell Douglas, 182 F.3d at 1328; see Granite Constr. Co. v. United States, 962 F.2d 998, 1007-07 (Fed.Cir.1992), cert. denied, 506 U.S. 1048, 113 S.Ct. 965, 122 L.Ed.2d 121 (1993) (<HOLDING>). Once the government proves default,
holding that strict compliance is not required recognizing that the government generally has the right to insist on performance in strict compliance with the contract specifications holding that where a party has insisted on strict compliance with the contracts terms the doctrine of substantial performance does not apply holding that the state as well as the defendant has a right to rely on compliance with rule 16 recognizing that strict compliance with  1557 is required