Interagency Acquisitions: Acquisitions by Nondefense Agencies on Behalf of the Department of Defense
Nondefense agencies acquiring goods or services for the Department of Defense must follow DoD-specific acquisition policies, approvals, and statutory requirements to ensure compliance and accountability.
Overview
FAR Subpart 17.7 establishes the rules and requirements for interagency acquisitions where nondefense agencies acquire goods or services on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD). This subpart clarifies the scope, definitions, applicability, and policy governing such transactions, ensuring that nondefense agencies comply with specific DoD requirements and statutory mandates. The subpart is designed to ensure that acquisitions conducted by nondefense agencies for DoD purposes are executed in accordance with DoD regulations, funding restrictions, and oversight requirements. It also addresses the need for proper documentation, approvals, and adherence to applicable laws and policies to maintain accountability and transparency in these interagency transactions.
Key Rules
- Scope and Definitions
- Outlines the types of acquisitions covered and provides definitions for key terms used in this context.
- Applicability
- Specifies when and how the subpart applies to interagency acquisitions involving DoD requirements.
- Policy
- Establishes the policy framework, including compliance with DoD-specific statutes, regulations, and approval processes for nondefense agencies acting on DoD’s behalf.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure all interagency acquisitions for DoD comply with DoD requirements, obtain necessary approvals, and maintain proper documentation.
- Contractors: Must be aware that additional DoD-specific requirements may apply when a nondefense agency is acquiring on behalf of DoD.
- Agencies: Nondefense agencies must follow DoD policies, obtain required authorizations, and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory mandates.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to prevent circumvention of DoD acquisition rules through interagency agreements and to ensure proper oversight.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring additional scrutiny, documentation, and compliance checks for acquisitions involving DoD funds or requirements.
- Common pitfalls include failure to obtain proper approvals, misunderstanding applicability, or neglecting DoD-specific compliance obligations.