SAFETY Act Considerations
Contracting officials must proactively assess and address SAFETY Act protections for anti-terrorism technologies early in the acquisition process, coordinating with DHS and informing offerors as required.
Overview
FAR 50.205-1 outlines procedures for considering SAFETY Act protections in federal acquisitions involving technologies that may prevent, detect, or mitigate acts of terrorism. It requires acquisition officials to review requirements for potential SAFETY Act applicability, consult with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when necessary, and determine if block designations or certifications exist for the technology. If such designations exist, offerors must be notified; if not, further steps are required per FAR 50.205-2. The regulation emphasizes early consideration of SAFETY Act issues in the acquisition cycle and encourages including these considerations in industry outreach. It also clarifies that the government is not subject to reciprocal waiver of claims under 6 CFR 25.5(e).