Response to the following problem:
Acme has a contract for $250,000 widgets to be shipped to the Czech Republic. The price stated in the offer and acceptance is $1 per widget. During the production of the widgets, the price of one component increases 250 percent due to a shortage. In addition, these widgets are due for shipment on June 15 and arrival in Prague no later than July 1. Yet, on June 15, a stevedores' strike begins, which lasts for 60 days.
Issue: Are either or both of these factors - the material price increase and the stevedores' strike - an excuse for Acme's non-performance?