Subpart 50.2
Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002
FAR Subpart 50.2 ensures that federal contracts for anti-terrorism technologies comply with the SAFETY Act, providing liability protections and encouraging innovation in homeland security.
Overview
FAR Subpart 50.2 implements the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002 within federal procurement. This subpart provides the regulatory framework for acquiring technologies and services that can help prevent, detect, or respond to acts of terrorism. It outlines definitions, authorities, policies, and procedures for contracting officers and contractors when dealing with SAFETY Act-designated technologies. The subpart also prescribes specific solicitation provisions and contract clauses to ensure compliance with the Act and to encourage the development and deployment of anti-terrorism technologies by providing certain liability protections.
Key Rules
- Scope and Definitions
- Establishes the applicability of the subpart and defines key terms related to the SAFETY Act.
- Authorities and General Guidance
- Identifies the legal authorities and general principles guiding the acquisition of SAFETY Act technologies.
- Policy and Procedures
- Sets forth the federal policy to support anti-terrorism technologies and details the procedures for procurement, including evaluation and approval processes.
- Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses
- Requires the inclusion of specific provisions and clauses in solicitations and contracts involving SAFETY Act technologies.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure solicitations and contracts comply with SAFETY Act requirements, use prescribed clauses, and follow outlined procedures.
- Contractors: Must provide accurate information regarding SAFETY Act designation and comply with all contract requirements related to anti-terrorism technologies.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance, ensure proper application of SAFETY Act protections, and support the deployment of effective anti-terrorism solutions.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to facilitate the acquisition and deployment of technologies that enhance national security against terrorism.
- It impacts daily contracting by introducing special procedures and liability protections for qualifying technologies.
- Common pitfalls include failing to use the correct clauses or misunderstanding the scope of SAFETY Act protections.