18.109 Priorities and allocations
Source: FAR 18.109 on acquisition.gov
DPAS ensures that contracts supporting national defense and emergency preparedness receive priority handling, requiring contractors and contracting officers to follow special procedures during emergencies.
Overview
FAR 18.109 addresses the use of the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) in federal contracting. DPAS is a regulatory system designed to ensure that contracts and orders supporting national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs receive priority treatment. This system enables the government to mobilize industry resources quickly in response to national emergencies or defense needs. Contracting professionals must be aware of DPAS requirements and how they affect procurement processes, especially during times of crisis or heightened national security concerns. Reference to Subpart 11.6 indicates further procedural details for implementing DPAS priorities and allocations in contracts.
Key Rules
- DPAS Applicability
- DPAS applies to contracts and orders that support national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs.
- Priority Ratings
- Contracts may be assigned priority ratings to ensure timely delivery of goods and services essential to national interests.
- Reference to Subpart 11.6
- Additional procedures and requirements for DPAS implementation are detailed in FAR Subpart 11.6.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must identify when DPAS applies, assign appropriate priority ratings, and ensure compliance with DPAS procedures.
- Contractors: Must comply with priority ratings and fulfill orders in accordance with DPAS requirements.
- Agencies: Oversee and enforce DPAS compliance, especially during emergencies or defense mobilizations.
Practical Implications
- DPAS ensures critical government needs are met promptly during emergencies or defense situations.
- Contractors may need to adjust production schedules or prioritize government orders over commercial ones.
- Failure to comply with DPAS can result in contractual or legal consequences, especially during national emergencies.
The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) supports approved national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs and was established to facilitate rapid industrial mobilization in case of a national emergency. (See subpart 11.6.)