FAR Part 1: Federal Acquisition Regulations System

In plain English

FAR Part 1 establishes the Federal Acquisition Regulations System, including its purpose, authority, applicability, and the roles of the acquisition team. It also covers agency supplementation and deviations from the FAR, and the appointment and responsibilities of contracting officers. For contractors, this part explains how the FAR is organized and who has authority to bind the Government, which affects how you interact with contracting officers and interpret the rules.

Key rules

• The FAR applies to all acquisitions as defined in FAR Part 2, except where expressly excluded. (1.104)
• Agency acquisition regulations may implement or supplement the FAR but are limited to what is necessary for the agency and must not unnecessarily restrict the flexibilities of the FAR. (1.301, 1.302, 1.304)
• Deviations from the FAR may be granted for individual or class contract actions when necessary to meet an agency's specific needs, but must be authorized and documented. (1.402, 1.403, 1.404)
• Contracting officers have authority to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings, but may bind the Government only to the extent of the authority delegated to them. (1.602-1)
• Contracting officers are responsible for ensuring performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, compliance with contract terms, and safeguarding the interests of the United States. (1.602-2)
• A contracting officer's representative (COR) assists in technical monitoring or administration of a contract and must maintain a file for each assigned contract. (1.604)
• A Determination and Findings (D&F) is a special form of written approval required by statute or regulation as a prerequisite to certain contract actions, and must contain enough facts to justify the determination. (1.701, 1.704)

Who does what

In practice

• When you bid or perform, ensure you are dealing with a warranted contracting officer who has the authority to bind the Government; agreements with other personnel may not be binding.
• Be aware that agency-specific regulations may supplement the FAR, so check the agency's acquisition regulation for additional requirements.
• If you believe a FAR deviation is being applied, you can request the agency's justification, as deviations must be authorized and documented.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming that any Government employee can change the contract; only the contracting officer has that authority, and unauthorized commitments are not binding.
• Overlooking agency supplements to the FAR, which may impose additional requirements or procedures.
• Failing to recognize that a D&F is required for certain actions; without it, the action may be improper.

Written by AI from this part's codified text (2026-10-04); cited sections are checked against the part. A guide, not legal advice: the regulation text, the solicitation and your contract rule.