1.101
Purpose
FAR 1.101 defines the FAR System as the authoritative source for uniform federal acquisition policies, supplemented by agency-specific regulations, but excludes internal agency guidance.
Overview
- FAR 1.101 establishes the purpose of the Federal Acquisition Regulations System, which is to provide a unified set of policies and procedures for acquisitions by all executive agencies. It clarifies that the FAR is the primary source of government-wide acquisition regulations, while allowing for agency-specific regulations that implement or supplement the FAR. Internal agency guidance not intended for public codification is excluded from the FAR System.
Key Rules
- Establishment of FAR System
- The FAR System is created to codify and publish uniform acquisition policies and procedures for executive agencies.
- Components of the FAR System
- The system includes the FAR as the main document and agency acquisition regulations that implement or supplement the FAR.
- Exclusions from the FAR System
- Internal agency guidance, as described in FAR 1.301(a)(2), is not part of the FAR System.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must follow the FAR and any applicable agency acquisition regulations.
- Contractors: Should understand that the FAR and agency supplements govern federal acquisitions, not internal agency procedures.
- Agencies: Responsible for issuing regulations that implement or supplement the FAR, but must not include internal guidance in the FAR System.
Practical Implications
- This section clarifies the hierarchy and scope of acquisition regulations, ensuring consistency across federal agencies.
- Contractors must be aware that both the FAR and agency-specific regulations may apply to their contracts.
- Misunderstanding what constitutes the FAR System versus internal guidance can lead to compliance errors or misinterpretation of requirements.