12.303
Contract format
FAR 12.303 mandates the use of Standard Form 1449 and specific FAR clauses for all commercial product and service acquisitions, ensuring standardized and compliant contract documentation.
Overview
FAR 12.303 prescribes the required format for solicitations and contracts when acquiring commercial products or commercial services under Part 12. The regulation aims to standardize contract assembly, ensuring consistency and compliance with federal requirements. It specifies the use of Standard Form (SF) 1449 as the primary document, with additional blocks and clauses as needed, and outlines the inclusion of specific contract clauses and solicitation provisions relevant to commercial acquisitions.
Key Rules
- Use of SF 1449
- All solicitations and contracts for commercial products/services must use Standard Form 1449 as the base document.
- Continuation of SF 1449 Blocks
- Additional information may be included in specific blocks (e.g., incentive subcontracting, remittance address, line items, schedule, accounting data) as required by the contract.
- Required Contract Clauses
- Include FAR 52.212-4 (Contract Terms and Conditions), any addenda, and FAR 52.212-5 (Statutory/Executive Order Clauses).
- Attachments and Exhibits
- Attach any necessary contract documents, exhibits, or attachments.
- Solicitation Provisions
- Include FAR 52.212-1 (Instructions to Offerors), any addenda, FAR 52.212-2 (Evaluation Factors, if used), and FAR 52.212-3 (Offeror Representations and Certifications).
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must assemble contracts using the prescribed format and ensure all required clauses and provisions are included.
- Contractors: Must review and comply with all included clauses and provisions.
- Agencies: Ensure oversight and compliance with the standardized format for commercial acquisitions.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures that commercial acquisitions are handled efficiently and consistently, reducing administrative burden and confusion. Failure to use the correct format or include required clauses can result in compliance issues or contract disputes. Contractors should familiarize themselves with the structure and content of SF 1449 and the referenced FAR clauses to ensure proper proposal and contract execution.