Protection of Privacy and Freedom of Information
FAR Part 24 ensures contractors and agencies protect individual privacy and comply with FOIA requirements through clear procedures, contract clauses, and mandatory training.
Overview
FAR Part 24 establishes the requirements and procedures for protecting individual privacy and ensuring compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in federal contracting. It outlines the responsibilities of contracting officers and contractors regarding the handling of personal information, the release of government records, and mandatory privacy training. The part is organized into three main subparts: Protection of Individual Privacy, Freedom of Information Act, and Privacy Training. Each subpart addresses specific obligations, such as safeguarding personal data, responding to FOIA requests, and ensuring personnel are trained on privacy requirements. The overall purpose is to ensure that government contractors and agencies handle sensitive information lawfully and ethically, balancing transparency with privacy protection.
Key Rules
- Protection of Individual Privacy
- Sets definitions, general requirements, procedures, and contract clauses for safeguarding personal information in federal contracts.
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
- Establishes authority, prohibitions, and policies for responding to public requests for government information, while protecting sensitive data.
- Privacy Training
- Mandates privacy training for personnel handling sensitive information and prescribes related contract clauses.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure contracts include appropriate privacy and FOIA clauses, oversee compliance, and verify contractor training.
- Contractors: Protect personal information, comply with FOIA-related requirements, and provide required privacy training to relevant staff.
- Agencies: Monitor compliance, provide oversight, and respond to FOIA requests in accordance with policy.
Practical Implications
- FAR Part 24 exists to protect individuals’ privacy and uphold public access to government information, as required by law.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring careful handling of personal data, proper response to information requests, and ongoing staff training.
- Common pitfalls include failure to safeguard sensitive information, improper disclosure under FOIA, and lack of adequate privacy training.