Companies Bidding On Government Contracts Receive FAR Guidance

Learn More About Government Contracts and Awards

The Federal Acquisition Regulation, or FAR, is a complex set of rules defining how government contracts are processed. The FAR regulates both the contracting government agencies and the contractors who participate in the process. The Whay Law Firm will assist you with its specific expertise in government contracting, and the extensive regulations associated with the contracting government agencies.

What is the Federal Acquisitions Regulation (FAR), and how did it come about?

Effective April 1, 1984, the FAR is the primary regulation used by U.S. federal government agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds. It is the primary document of the Federal Acquisition Regulation System. The Federal Acquisition Regulation System, defined and codified in Title 48, Chapter 1 of the Code of Federal Regulations, at 48 C.F.R. 31, includes the FAR and additional acquisition regulations that implement or supplement the FAR. The FAR regulates three government agency contracting processes:

• Need recognition and acquisition planning
• Contract formation
• Contract administration

The regulations are prepared, issued and maintained jointly under the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services Administration (GAO and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Defense Acquisition Regulatory Council (DARC) and the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council. (CAAC).

Supplemental regulations issued by individual departments are also governed by the FAR. The number of supplemental regulations is extensive, and each generally places additional requirements on both the government personnel and the contractors. A recent example of this is an amendment, implemented in May 2016, which requires federal contractors to secure data related to federal contracts. The new rule requires limited information system access to authorized users, processes and devices, authentication procedures, up-to-date cyber attack protection and scanning procedures.

Contact Whay Law Firm

Don’t let the complexity of the FAR and keeping current with new rules discourage you from bidding on lucrative government contracts. If you are new to government contracting, contact the Whay Law Firm today. Our lawyers and counselors have extensive experience assisting small companies with all aspects of government contracting. We can help you understand and participate in government solicitations.