17.101
Authority
FAR 17.101 establishes the statutory authority for multi-year contracting, ensuring all such contracts are grounded in federal law and follow prescribed procedures.
Overview
FAR 17.101 establishes the statutory authority for multi-year contracting by referencing 41 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3501. This section serves as the legal foundation for the policies and procedures outlined in Subpart 17.1, which governs the use of multi-year contracts in federal procurement. The purpose is to clarify the legal basis for agencies to enter into contracts that extend beyond a single fiscal year, subject to specific requirements and limitations detailed in subsequent sections.
Key Rules
- Statutory Authority
- Multi-year contracting is authorized under 41 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3501, providing the legal framework for such agreements.
- Policy and Procedures
- This section signals that detailed policies and procedures for multi-year contracting are provided in the remainder of Subpart 17.1.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure multi-year contracts are executed under the authority of the cited statutes and in accordance with Subpart 17.1 policies.
- Contractors: Should be aware that multi-year contracts are governed by specific statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Agencies: Must oversee compliance with the statutory authority and related procedures for multi-year contracting.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to establish the legal basis for multi-year contracts, ensuring all parties understand the statutory framework.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring adherence to specific authorities before entering into multi-year agreements.
- Common pitfalls include misunderstanding the legal limitations or failing to follow the detailed procedures in Subpart 17.1.