47.204
Single-movement contracts
Single-movement contracts enable agencies to procure unique transportation services not covered by standard tariffs or existing government contracts, ensuring specialized needs are met.
Overview
FAR 47.204 addresses the use of single-movement contracts for transportation services. These contracts are specifically intended for unique transportation needs that cannot be met through standard carrier tariffs or existing Department of Defense (DoD) or General Services Administration (GSA) transportation contracts. Examples include shipments with special requirements at the origin or destination that fall outside the scope of typical transportation arrangements. The regulation allows contracting officers to procure tailored transportation solutions when standard options are unavailable, ensuring mission-critical or specialized shipments can be executed efficiently and compliantly.
Key Rules
- Single-Movement Contracts
- May be used when transportation needs are not met by existing tariffs or government-wide contracts.
- Special Requirements
- Applies to shipments with unique needs at the origin or destination, such as special handling, timing, or security.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must determine that transportation needs cannot be met by existing tariffs or contracts before awarding a single-movement contract.
- Contractors: Must provide the specified unique transportation services as outlined in the contract.
- Agencies: Should ensure oversight and justification for using single-movement contracts.
Practical Implications
- This section provides flexibility for agencies to address unique transportation challenges.
- It ensures that specialized shipments are not delayed due to limitations in standard contracts.
- Common pitfalls include failing to document why existing options are insufficient or not properly specifying unique requirements in the contract.