1.201-1
The two councils
FAR revisions are coordinated by two expert councils representing defense and civilian agencies, ensuring all changes are thoroughly reviewed and publicly vetted before implementation.
Overview
FAR 1.201-1 outlines the structure, membership, and responsibilities of the two councils responsible for maintaining and revising the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (DAR Council) and the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAA Council). These councils coordinate all changes to the FAR, ensuring representation from relevant federal agencies and departments. Members are selected for their expertise and serve full-time, funded by their agencies. The section details the composition of each council, their leadership, and the process for revising the FAR, including public notice, comment consideration, and final publication procedures.
Key Rules
- Council Membership and Selection
- Council members must represent their agencies full-time, be highly qualified in acquisition, and be funded by their agencies.
- Council Composition
- The CAA Council includes representatives from major civilian agencies, while the DAR Council includes representatives from the Department of Defense and related agencies.
- Revision Process
- Both councils must agree on FAR revisions, submit proposed changes for public comment, consider feedback, arrange public meetings, and finalize revisions for publication.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Stay informed about FAR changes and understand the revision process.
- Contractors: Monitor FAR updates and participate in public comment periods when relevant.
- Agencies: Ensure qualified representation on councils and fund their participation; process and coordinate FAR revisions as assigned.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures that FAR revisions are coordinated, transparent, and involve input from all relevant federal agencies.
- Contractors and contracting professionals should be aware of how FAR changes are made and the opportunities for public input.
- Delays or miscommunication between councils can impact the timing and clarity of regulatory updates.