The general coverage requirement has exceptions for certain agencies such as the FAA. Image: Mark Van Scyoc/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe Congressional Research Service has issued a guide to requirements and exceptions under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the sweeping set of rules that generally governs acquisitions of goods and services by executive branch agencies.
The FAR sets “the guiding principles for the federal acquisition system, which include satisfying the customer in terms of cost, quality, and timeliness of the delivered goods and services; minimizing operating costs; conducting business with integrity, fairness, and openness; and fulfilling public policy objectives,” it says.
“Contracting officers and other members of the acquisition workforce rely on the FAR for guidance on a wide range of topics, including acquisition planning, publicizing contract actions, required sources of supplies and services, and contract types. Additionally, the FAR defines terms governing the federal procurement system,” it says.
It notes, for example, that the general coverage requirement has exceptions for certain agencies such as the FAA, certain quasi-governmental corporations such as the FDIC, and for certain entities not drawing appropriated funds, such as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
In addition, there are exceptions for certain transactions, such as grants and cooperative agreements, certain R&D projects, and others, it said.
Other topics include the relationship between the FAR and other procurement statutes including agency-specific statutes; the roles of OMB and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy; situations in which agencies may “deviate” from requirements that otherwise would apply; and more.
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