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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 16: Types of Contracts › Subpart 16.5

FAR 16.500 Scope of subpart.

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 the scope of the FAR subpart on indefinite-delivery contracts. It establishes a preference for multiple awards of indefinite-quantity contracts and notes that it does not override certain other authorities, such as GSA schedule contracts or architect-engineer procedures. It also points to small-business set-aside procedures in subpart 19.5.

Applies to: Agencies awarding indefinite-delivery contracts

Key terms: indefinite-delivery contracts · multiple awards · indefinite-quantity contracts · architect-engineer contracts · small businesses

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

The text

(a) This subpart prescribes policies and procedures for making awards of indefinite-delivery contracts and establishes a preference for making multiple awards of indefinite-quantity contracts.

(b) This subpart does not limit the use of other than competitive procedures authorized by part 6.

(c) Nothing in this subpart restricts the authority of the General Services Administration (GSA) to enter into schedule, multiple award, or task or delivery order contracts under any other provision of law. Therefore, GSA regulations and the coverage for the Federal Supply Schedule program in subpart 8.4 and part 38 take precedence over this subpart.

(d) The statutory multiple award preference implemented by this subpart does not apply to architect-engineer contracts subject to the procedures in subpart 36.6. However, agencies are not precluded from making multiple awards for architect-engineer services using the procedures in this subpart, provided the selection of contractors and placement of orders are consistent with subpart 36.6.

(e) See subpart 19.5 for procedures to set aside part or parts of multiple-award contracts for small businesses; to reserve one or more awards for small business on multiple-award contracts; and to set aside orders for small businesses under multiple-award contracts.

← 16.406 Contract clauses. · 16.501-1 Definitions. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 16

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

FAR 16.500 Scope of subpart · SpendQuery