Subpart 17.5
Interagency Acquisitions
FAR Subpart 17.5 establishes the rules, procedures, and documentation requirements for federal agencies engaging in interagency acquisitions to ensure compliance, transparency, and proper use of contracting authorities.
Overview
FAR Subpart 17.5 covers the rules and procedures for interagency acquisitions, which occur when one federal agency acquires goods or services from another agency or through another agency’s contract vehicle. This subpart establishes the framework for both direct acquisitions (where the requesting agency places an order directly against another agency’s contract) and assisted acquisitions (where the servicing agency conducts an acquisition on behalf of the requesting agency). It outlines the responsibilities, required agreements, ordering procedures, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance, transparency, and proper use of interagency contracting authorities.
Key Rules
- Scope and Applicability
- Defines when and how interagency acquisitions can be used, including both direct and assisted acquisitions.
- General Requirements
- Agencies must ensure statutory authority, proper documentation, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Procedures
- Details the steps agencies must follow to initiate and execute interagency acquisitions, including written agreements and delineation of roles.
- Ordering Procedures
- Specifies how orders are placed, managed, and tracked under interagency contracts.
- Reporting Requirements
- Mandates reporting of interagency acquisitions to ensure oversight and transparency.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must verify authority, ensure proper agreements, follow ordering and reporting procedures, and maintain documentation.
- Contractors: Must comply with contract terms and any special requirements imposed by the servicing agency.
- Agencies: Must coordinate, document, and report interagency acquisitions as required by regulation.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to promote efficient government procurement while preventing misuse of interagency contracting authorities.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring careful planning, documentation, and coordination between agencies.
- Common pitfalls include lack of proper agreements, inadequate documentation, and failure to report acquisitions as required.