22.604
Exemptions
FAR 22.604 clarifies when contracts are exempt from labor standards under Subpart 22.6, helping contracting professionals avoid unnecessary compliance.
Overview
FAR 22.604 outlines the exemptions to the requirements of Subpart 22.6, which governs contracts for materials, supplies, articles, and equipment. This section distinguishes between statutory exemptions (those mandated by law) and regulatory exemptions (those established by regulation), providing guidance on when certain contracts or contractors are not subject to the labor standards and requirements typically imposed under this subpart. Understanding these exemptions is crucial for both contracting officers and contractors to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary application of labor standards where they do not legally apply.
Key Rules
- Statutory Exemptions (22.604-1)
- Certain contracts or classes of contracts are exempt from labor standards by specific statutes.
- Regulatory Exemptions (22.604-2)
- Additional exemptions may be established by regulation, clarifying or expanding upon statutory exemptions.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must identify and apply appropriate exemptions, ensuring contracts are only subject to labor standards when required.
- Contractors: Should be aware of exemption status to understand their obligations and avoid unnecessary compliance efforts.
- Agencies: Responsible for oversight and ensuring correct application of exemptions.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to prevent the misapplication of labor standards to contracts that are legally exempt.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring careful review of contract type and applicable exemptions.
- Common pitfalls include failing to recognize an exemption or incorrectly applying labor standards to exempt contracts.