53.228
Bonds and insurance
FAR 53.228 mandates the use of specific standard forms for all federal bond and insurance requirements, ensuring compliance and uniformity in contract documentation.
Overview
FAR 53.228 prescribes the standard forms required for fulfilling bond and insurance requirements in federal contracts, as detailed in FAR Part 28. These forms cover various types of bonds (bid, performance, payment, annual, and reinsurance agreements) and related surety documentation. The section specifies that all forms, except SF 25B, may be locally reproduced and are available through the GSA Forms Library. Contracting professionals must use these forms to ensure compliance with federal bonding and insurance regulations, referencing the appropriate FAR citations for each form's use case.
Key Rules
- Use of Standard Forms
- Contracting officers and contractors must use the prescribed standard forms for bonds and insurance as outlined in Part 28.
- Form Availability and Reproduction
- All forms except SF 25B can be locally reproduced; all are accessible via the GSA Forms Library.
- Specific Forms for Specific Purposes
- Each form (e.g., SF 24 for Bid Bond, SF 25 for Performance Bond) is tied to a specific bonding or insurance requirement and must be used accordingly.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure the correct forms are included in solicitations and contracts, and verify their proper completion and submission.
- Contractors: Complete and submit the required forms as specified in the solicitation or contract.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with form usage and maintain records as required.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures uniformity and legal sufficiency in the documentation of bonds and insurance for federal contracts.
- Failure to use the correct forms can result in non-compliance, bid rejection, or contract delays.
- Contractors should familiarize themselves with the forms and their specific purposes to avoid administrative errors.