4.1600
Scope of subpart
Every federal procurement action must be assigned a unique Procurement Instrument Identifier (PIID) to ensure accurate tracking and management.
Overview
- FAR 4.1600 establishes the scope for Subpart 4.16, which sets forth the policies and procedures for assigning unique Procurement Instrument Identifiers (PIIDs) to every solicitation, contract, agreement, order, and related procurement instrument. The purpose is to ensure each procurement action is uniquely identified for tracking, reporting, and management throughout its lifecycle.
Key Rules
- Assignment of Unique PIIDs
- Every solicitation, contract, agreement, order, and related procurement instrument must be assigned a unique PIID.
- Policy and Procedure Coverage
- The subpart details the required policies and procedures for creating and managing PIIDs.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure that a unique PIID is assigned to each procurement instrument and that it is used consistently throughout the procurement process.
- Contractors: Must reference the assigned PIID in all communications and documentation related to the procurement instrument.
- Agencies: Responsible for establishing and enforcing procedures for PIID assignment and management.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to standardize the identification of procurement instruments, which is critical for auditability, transparency, and efficient contract administration.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring strict adherence to PIID assignment and usage, reducing confusion and errors in procurement records.
- Common pitfalls include failure to assign a PIID, duplicate PIIDs, or inconsistent use of PIIDs across documents and systems.