Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
The primary set of rules governing the federal government procurement process, establishing uniform policies for acquiring goods and services.
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the principal set of rules governing the U.S. federal government's acquisition of supplies and services. Published in Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations, it applies to all executive agencies.
FAR Structure
The FAR is organized into 53 parts covering everything from definitions (Part 2) to contract types (Parts 15-17) to small business programs (Part 19) to labor standards (Part 22). Each agency may also have supplemental regulations (DFARS for DoD, GSAM for GSA, etc.).
FAR and Proposal Writing
Understanding FAR is essential for proposal writing because it dictates how proposals are evaluated (FAR Part 15), what certifications are required (FAR Part 52), and what contract clauses apply. AI proposal tools help ensure FAR compliance by automatically checking proposal content against regulatory requirements.
Key FAR Parts for Contractors
The most relevant sections include FAR Part 12 (Commercial Items), FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation), FAR Part 19 (Small Business Programs), and FAR Part 52 (Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses).
Frequently asked questions
What is the FAR in government contracting?
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the primary rulebook for U.S. federal government procurement. It governs how agencies buy goods and services, how contracts are evaluated, and what clauses must be included in government contracts.
What is FAR Part 15?
FAR Part 15 covers Contracting by Negotiation — the process for competitive proposals (RFPs). It defines how agencies evaluate proposals, conduct discussions, and make award decisions. This is the most important FAR section for competitive proposal writing.