Subcontracting research and development effort
Contractors must disclose and obtain approval for any technical or scientific R&D subcontracts to ensure government oversight and protect government interests.
Overview
FAR 35.009 addresses the subcontracting of research and development (R&D) efforts, emphasizing the importance of government oversight when contractors propose to subcontract technical or scientific work. Because R&D contracts are awarded based on the contractor’s scientific and technological capabilities, the government must be informed and involved in decisions to subcontract portions of the work. For cost-reimbursement R&D contracts, contracting officers are required to obtain detailed information about the contractor’s subcontracting plans during negotiations. For fixed-price R&D contracts, contracting officers should also review subcontracting plans and may negotiate agreements to protect government interests. The section references FAR clause 52.244-2, which requires prior approval from the contracting officer for certain subcontracts, as outlined in FAR 44.204(a).