30.001
Definitions
FAR 30.001 defines essential terms for Cost Accounting Standards administration, ensuring all parties interpret and apply CAS requirements consistently.
Overview
FAR 30.001 provides definitions for key terms used throughout Part 30, which governs Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) administration in federal contracting. These definitions clarify the meaning of terms such as "affected CAS-covered contract or subcontract," "Cognizant Federal agency official (CFAO)," "desirable change," "fixed-price" and "flexibly-priced" contracts, "noncompliance," "required change," and "unilateral change." Understanding these definitions is essential for contractors and contracting officers to ensure proper application of CAS rules, determine contract types, and manage changes in cost accounting practices.
Key Rules
- Affected CAS-covered contract or subcontract
- Defines when a contract or subcontract is impacted by changes or noncompliance in cost accounting practices.
- Cognizant Federal agency official (CFAO)
- Identifies the official responsible for CAS administration.
- Contract Types
- Clarifies what constitutes fixed-price and flexibly-priced contracts for CAS purposes.
- Change Classifications
- Distinguishes between desirable, required, and unilateral changes in cost accounting practices.
- Noncompliance
- Specifies what constitutes noncompliance with CAS or disclosed practices.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must use these definitions to interpret and apply CAS requirements accurately.
- Contractors: Must understand these terms to ensure compliance with CAS, especially when making changes to cost accounting practices or determining contract types.
- Agencies: Must assign a CFAO and ensure proper oversight of CAS-covered contracts.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures all parties have a common understanding of critical CAS-related terms, reducing misinterpretation and compliance risks.
- Accurate application of these definitions is vital for contract administration, especially when handling cost accounting changes or addressing noncompliance.
- Misunderstanding these terms can lead to improper contract classification, reporting errors, or disputes over cost allowability.