Emergency Acquisitions
FAR Part 18 empowers agencies to use special acquisition flexibilities and streamlined procedures to meet urgent needs during emergencies, ensuring rapid and effective government response.
Overview
FAR Part 18, Emergency Acquisitions, provides the regulatory framework for federal agencies to acquire goods and services rapidly and efficiently during emergencies, such as contingency operations, natural disasters, or other urgent situations. This part outlines both general and emergency-specific acquisition flexibilities, enabling contracting officers to bypass or modify standard procedures to meet urgent mission needs. It covers definitions, available flexibilities (such as streamlined solicitation, use of oral proposals, and single-source awards), and special authorities activated during emergencies. The structure includes Subpart 18.1, which details flexibilities always available, and Subpart 18.2, which addresses additional authorities triggered by specific emergency declarations or operations. The goal is to ensure agencies can respond quickly while maintaining appropriate oversight and compliance.