Purpose, Authority, Issuance
FAR Subpart 1.1 establishes the foundational rules, authority, and structure for the entire Federal Acquisition Regulation system, guiding all federal procurement activities.
Overview
FAR Subpart 1.1, "Purpose, Authority, Issuance," establishes the foundational framework for the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) system. It outlines the purpose of the FAR, the guiding principles for the Federal Acquisition System, the legal authority under which the FAR is issued, and its applicability to federal agencies and contractors. This subpart also details the process for issuance and maintenance of the FAR, including OMB approval requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act, certification requirements, conventions used throughout the FAR, procedures for adjusting statutory acquisition-related dollar thresholds for inflation, and references to positive law codification. The subpart serves as an organizational and procedural guide for understanding how the FAR is structured, maintained, and applied across federal procurement activities.
Key Rules
- Purpose and Guiding Principles
- Establishes the objectives and foundational principles of the Federal Acquisition System.
- Authority and Applicability
- Defines the legal basis for the FAR and specifies to whom and what it applies.
- Issuance and Maintenance
- Details how the FAR is issued, updated, and maintained, including OMB oversight and compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act.
- Certifications and Conventions
- Outlines requirements for certifications and explains conventions used throughout the FAR for clarity and consistency.
- Dollar Threshold Adjustments and Codification
- Provides for periodic adjustment of acquisition-related thresholds for inflation and references positive law codification.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must understand the foundational rules and ensure compliance with FAR structure and updates.
- Contractors: Should be aware of the FAR's authority, applicability, and conventions to ensure proper compliance.
- Agencies: Responsible for adhering to FAR issuance, maintenance, and reporting requirements, including OMB approvals.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to provide clarity on the scope, authority, and structure of the FAR, ensuring all parties understand the regulatory framework governing federal procurement.
- It impacts daily contracting by establishing the rules of engagement and compliance expectations.
- Common pitfalls include misunderstanding the applicability of FAR provisions or failing to recognize updates to thresholds or conventions.