24.101
Definitions
FAR 24.101 establishes precise definitions for privacy-related terms, ensuring consistent understanding and compliance when handling personally identifiable information in federal contracts.
Overview
FAR 24.101 provides definitions for key terms used in Subpart 24.1, which addresses the protection of individual privacy in federal contracting. These definitions clarify the scope and application of privacy-related requirements, ensuring that contractors and agencies understand their obligations when handling records containing personally identifiable information (PII) about individuals. The section defines what constitutes an agency, individual, record, system of records, and other critical terms, establishing a common language for compliance with privacy regulations in government contracts.
Key Rules
- Definition of Agency
- Clarifies which entities are considered agencies for the purposes of privacy protection.
- Definition of Individual and Record
- Specifies who is protected and what types of information are covered.
- Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
- Defines PII and references OMB guidance for further clarification.
- System of Records
- Explains what constitutes a system of records and how information is retrieved.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure contract terms align with these definitions and apply privacy requirements appropriately.
- Contractors: Must understand and use these definitions when handling, maintaining, or operating systems of records containing PII.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and ensure contractors adhere to privacy protections as defined.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures all parties have a shared understanding of privacy-related terms, reducing ambiguity in compliance and enforcement.
- Accurate application of these definitions is critical for proper handling of PII and avoiding violations of privacy laws.
- Misinterpretation of these terms can lead to non-compliance, data breaches, or legal consequences.