SpendQueryBeta

FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 1: Federal Acquisition Regulations System › Subpart 1.6

FAR 1.602-1 Authority.

The codified text (eCFR, as of 2026-10-02). Under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul ↗, agencies follow class deviations with new text for many parts while the formal rules go through the Federal Register: check the solicitation and your contract's clauses, which rule.

In plain English

This section explains that contracting officers are the officials with authority to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. It matters to contractors because a contracting officer can bind the Government only up to the limits of the authority delegated to them, and no contract can be entered into unless the contracting officer ensures all legal, regulatory, and procedural requirements have been met.

Applies to: Contracting officers and the contracts they award

What it requires

  • Contracting officers must receive clear written instructions from the appointing authority about the limits of their authority.
  • Contracting officers must ensure all requirements of law, executive orders, regulations, and other applicable procedures, including clearances and approvals, are met before entering into a contract.

Key terms: contracting officer · appointing authority · authority delegated · determinations and findings · clearances and approvals

Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.

The text

(a) Contracting officers have authority to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. Contracting officers may bind the Government only to the extent of the authority delegated to them. Contracting officers shall receive from the appointing authority (see 1.603-1) clear instructions in writing regarding the limits of their authority. Information on the limits of the contracting officers' authority shall be readily available to the public and agency personnel.

(b) No contract shall be entered into unless the contracting officer ensures that all requirements of law, executive orders, regulations, and all other applicable procedures, including clearances and approvals, have been met.

Sections it refers to

Sections that refer to it

← 1.602 Contracting officers. · 1.602-2 Responsibilities. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 1

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.

FAR 1.602-1 Authority · SpendQuery