The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
The most important regulation you need to be aware of
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Here is an overview of the regulation that sets the requirements for government contracting—and how it works.
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The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the cornerstone of government contracting and the most essential set of rules you’ll need to become familiar with on your contracting journey.
The FAR establishes the high-level, overarching framework for governing federal agencies' procurement of goods and services. It also guides contractors' operations. It isn’t designed to cover every detail of every contract; that’s where additional, agency-specific regulations come into play, but the FAR is an essential guide and the starting point before examining other, more specific rules.
These are the sections of the FAR you should be aware of as a small business contractor:
FAR Part 19, which covers Small Business Programs, outlines set-asides, subcontracting goals, and other policies designed to support small businesses.
FAR Part 12, dealing with the acquisition of commercial items, is highly relevant as many small businesses offer commercial products or services that can be adapted for government needs.
FAR Part 13, which provides simplified acquisition procedures, can help you compete for lower-dollar contracts through a less complex bidding process.
FAR Part 15 is key for understanding the negotiation and proposal process, ensuring that your responses to requests for proposals (RFPs) are competitive and well-prepared.
Understanding these sections can help you target the right opportunities and focus your approach.
Remember, the FAR is not a document you need to memorize; instead, you should know it exists and learn how to quickly reference its material when needed.
The Regulation Hierarchy: How Does It Work?
At the top of the regulatory hierarchy is the FAR, which every federal agency must abide by. Each agency then tailors these guidelines to meet its unique operational needs by issuing their own regulation supplements. For example, the Department of Defense uses the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). Within the military, individual branches like the Army, Navy, and Air Force publish additional supplements—such as the Army Supplement, the Air Force Supplement, and the Navy-Marine Corps Acquisition Regulation Supplement. Then, civilian and non-military agencies develop their own doctrine to address their specific circumstances.
Although you might see figures cited—sometimes described as “dozens” of supplements—the exact number is always evolving as new policies are introduced and outdated ones are retired (in theory). What’s important to understand is that each agency’s supplement adds another layer of mandatory procedures designed to enforce the FAR’s general principles in a way that fits the agency’s mission. This layered structure can make the contracting environment seem overwhelming, especially when a project involves multiple agencies. In such cases, you might have to navigate overlapping regulations and even some grey areas regarding which rules apply to each part of the contract. Moreover, when issues arise, it’s common for agencies to introduce new amendments or layers of regulation to prevent future problems—adding more steps to an already complex process.
How To Use This Information
Become Familiar with Acquisition.gov:
This is the primary portal to access the FAR, agency supplements, and related documents. Bookmark this site and explore its layout to understand where the information is housed. It’s your first stop for gathering the regulatory material you’ll need for bidding and contract management.
Reference, Don’t Memorize:
The FAR is extensive and constantly updated. Your goal should be to know how to navigate it rather than memorizing every clause. Learn how the FAR is structured—its parts, subparts, and clauses—and practice using the search function to find sections that are relevant to your business. This skill will help you quickly reference the material during the proposal process or contract performance.
Study Agency Supplements:
When preparing a bid, identify the agency-specific supplements that apply to that opportunity. Read these documents carefully, and note any additional procedures or requirements that differ from the general FAR. For example, if you’re targeting a DoD contract, make sure to review DFARS and any branch-specific supplements that might apply. This extra step will ensure that your proposal is compliant with all the necessary rules.
Use a simple Google search to find specific agency supplements.
Engage with Support Resources:
Each agency typically has a small business office or a procurement technical assistance center (PTAC) designed to help guide contractors through these regulations. Don’t hesitate to reach out with specific, well-researched questions. Similarly, the contracting officer assigned to your bid is a valuable resource who can clarify which regulations you need to follow. Just be sure to do your homework first so that your questions are focused and informed.
Keep Detailed Records:
As you review the FAR and its supplements, maintain a personal reference library of frequently used sections, key clauses, and your own notes. This will save you time in future proposals and help prevent costly mistakes. It’s also a good idea to record any clarifications or answers you receive from agency representatives or contracting officers.
Additional Considerations
Beyond the FAR and its supplements, be aware that agencies sometimes issue policy memos, guidance documents, and updates that further clarify their acquisition procedures. Attending training sessions, workshops, or webinars offered by PTACs or similar organizations can also provide practical insights that enhance your understanding of these regulations. Networking with experienced contractors can further demystify the process by offering real-world advice on how to apply these rules effectively.
Remember, the main intention of the FAR is to provide an overarching regulatory framework that ensures fairness, transparency, and accountability in federal procurement. While the system can seem layered and complex, understanding where to look for information—and knowing whom to ask when questions arise—can help you navigate the red tape more efficiently.
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Happy contracting!