Part 1
Federal Acquisition Regulations System
FAR Part 1 establishes the foundational rules, authority, and structure for all federal acquisition regulations, guiding how agencies and contractors must operate within the procurement system.
Overview
- FAR Part 1 establishes the foundational framework for the entire Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) system. It outlines the purpose, authority, and issuance of the FAR, sets forth guiding principles for federal procurement, and defines the roles and responsibilities of acquisition personnel. This part also addresses the administration and maintenance of the FAR, agency-specific regulations, procedures for deviations, public participation, and the authority and responsibilities of contracting officers.
Key Rules
- Purpose, Authority, Issuance
- Defines the scope, legal authority, and publication structure of the FAR, and sets guiding principles for the acquisition system.
- Administration
- Details how the FAR is maintained, the roles of the FAR councils, and agency compliance requirements.
- Agency Acquisition Regulations
- Outlines how agencies may supplement the FAR and the limitations on agency-specific regulations.
- Deviations from the FAR
- Provides procedures for requesting and approving deviations from standard FAR requirements.
- Agency and Public Participation
- Establishes processes for soliciting and considering agency and public input on FAR changes.
- Career Development, Contracting Authority, and Responsibilities
- Specifies the qualifications, appointment, and responsibilities of contracting officers and their representatives.
- Determinations and Findings
- Sets requirements for formal determinations and findings necessary for certain acquisition actions.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must understand and operate within the FAR framework, follow agency-specific regulations, and ensure compliance with all applicable rules.
- Contractors: Should be familiar with the FAR structure and understand how agency supplements and deviations may affect contract requirements.
- Agencies: Responsible for maintaining compliance, managing deviations, and facilitating public participation in the regulatory process.
Practical Implications
- FAR Part 1 is essential for understanding the structure and authority of federal procurement regulations. It impacts every aspect of government contracting by defining how rules are created, maintained, and applied. Common pitfalls include misunderstanding the hierarchy of regulations, failing to follow proper deviation procedures, or overlooking the role of public and agency input in regulatory changes.