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

FAR 1.603-3 Appointment.

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 how contracting officers get their authority. They must be appointed in writing on an SF 1402 that states any limits on their authority, and appointing officials must keep files of active appointments. It also encourages delegating micro-purchase authority to certain employees or service members, who must still be appointed in writing under agency procedures but do not need an SF 1402.

Applies to: Contracting officers and appointing officials, plus individuals delegated micro-purchase authority

What it requires

  • Appoint contracting officers in writing on an SF 1402
  • State any limitations on the scope of authority on the appointment, other than those in law or regulation
  • Maintain files of copies of all appointments that have not been terminated
  • Appoint micro-purchase authority holders in writing under agency procedures

Key terms: Contracting officer · SF 1402, Certificate of Appointment · Appointing officials · Micro-purchase authority · Executive agency

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

The text

(a) Contracting officers shall be appointed in writing on an SF 1402, Certificate of Appointment, which shall state any limitations on the scope of authority to be exercised, other than limitations contained in applicable law or regulation. Appointing officials shall maintain files containing copies of all appointments that have not been terminated.

(b) Agency heads are encouraged to delegate micro-purchase authority to individuals who are employees of an executive agency or members of the Armed Forces of the United States who will be using the supplies or services being purchased. Individuals delegated this authority are not required to be appointed on an SF 1402, but shall be appointed in writing in accordance with agency procedures.

Sections that refer to it

  • 13.201 General.
  • 13.203 Purchase guidelines.
  • 13.301 Governmentwide commercial purchase card.
  • 32.1108 Payment by Governmentwide commercial purchase card.
  • 53.201-1 Contracting authority and responsibilities (SF 1402).

← 1.603-2 Selection. · 1.603-4 Termination. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 1

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