Subpart 11.6
Priorities and Allocations
FAR Subpart 11.6 ensures that contracts supporting national defense and emergency preparedness are prioritized and managed according to federal law, requiring strict compliance from both contracting officers and contractors.
Overview
FAR Subpart 11.6, "Priorities and Allocations," establishes the policies and procedures for ensuring that government contracts receive priority in accordance with the Defense Production Act (DPA) and related regulations. This subpart outlines how contracting officers must handle priorities and allocations to support national defense and emergency preparedness, including the use of the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS). It covers definitions, general requirements, procedural steps, and the inclusion of specific solicitation provisions and contract clauses to ensure compliance.
Key Rules
- Scope and Definitions
- Defines the applicability of priorities and allocations and provides key terminology used throughout the subpart.
- General Requirements
- Mandates that contracting officers assign priority ratings to contracts when required by law or regulation, particularly for national defense or emergency preparedness.
- Procedures
- Details the steps contracting officers must follow to assign, communicate, and manage priority ratings, including coordination with contractors and other agencies.
- Solicitation Provisions and Clauses
- Requires the inclusion of specific FAR clauses in solicitations and contracts subject to priorities and allocations regulations.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must determine when priority ratings are required, assign ratings, include necessary clauses, and ensure contractor compliance.
- Contractors: Must comply with priority ratings, fulfill rated orders as required, and communicate any issues or delays.
- Agencies: Oversee implementation, provide guidance, and ensure compliance with DPA and DPAS requirements.
Practical Implications
- This subpart ensures that critical government needs, especially for national defense, are met promptly by giving certain contracts priority over others.
- Contractors must be prepared to adjust production schedules and supply chains to accommodate rated orders.
- Failure to comply can result in contractual, legal, or regulatory consequences, making awareness and adherence essential.