Arrangement of regulations
Understanding the FAR's structure and citation rules is essential for accurate compliance, communication, and documentation in government contracting.
Overview
FAR 1.105-2 explains how the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is organized and how its provisions are numbered and cited. This section provides a detailed breakdown of the FAR's structure, including subchapters, parts, subparts, sections, and subsections, and describes the numbering system that allows for precise identification of every paragraph. It also clarifies the correct way to reference and cite FAR provisions both within and outside the regulation, and specifies the format for citing legal authorities. Understanding this arrangement is essential for accurately locating, referencing, and complying with FAR requirements in government contracting.
Key Rules
- FAR Structure
- The FAR is divided into subchapters, parts, subparts, sections, and subsections, each covering different aspects of acquisition.
- Numbering System
- FAR numbers are structured to identify parts (before the decimal), subparts and sections (after the decimal), and subsections (after the dash), with further subdivisions using parenthetical alphanumerics.
- References and Citations
- Provides rules for referencing FAR parts, subparts, sections, and subsections both within and outside the FAR, and mandates following Federal Register guidelines for citing legal authorities.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must use correct FAR citations in documents and communications.
- Contractors: Should understand FAR citation structure to accurately interpret requirements and respond to solicitations.
- Agencies: Ensure staff are trained on proper FAR referencing and citation practices.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to standardize how the FAR is organized and referenced, reducing confusion and errors in documentation.
- Accurate citation is critical for compliance, legal clarity, and effective communication in government contracting.
- Common pitfalls include mis-citing FAR provisions or misunderstanding the structure, which can lead to compliance issues or disputes.