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FAR and DFARS › DFARS Part 211: Describing Agency Needs › Subpart 211.1

DFARS 211.170 Use of proprietary specifications or standards.

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 requires a justification and approval before a contractor's acquisition can use proprietary specifications or standards. It applies when sealed bidding or negotiated acquisition procedures are used, or when simplified procedures for certain commercial products or commercial services are used. The specific justification requirements are found in other referenced sections.

Applies to: Acquisitions using proprietary specifications or standards

What it requires

  • Obtain a justification and approval before using proprietary specifications or standards

Key terms: proprietary specifications · proprietary standards · justification and approval · sealed bidding · negotiated acquisition procedures

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

The text

A justification and approval is required to use proprietary specifications and standards—

(1) When using sealed bidding or negotiated acquisition procedures (see 206.302-1(S-70) for justification requirements); or

(2) When using the simplified procedures for certain commercial products or commercial services at FAR 13.5 (see 213.501(a)(ii) for justification requirements).

Sections it refers to

  • 206.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
  • 213.501 Special documentation requirements.

← 211.107 Solicitation provision. · 211.201 Identification and availability of specifications. →

Rule changes for DFARS Part 211

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

DFARS 211.170 Use of proprietary specifications or standards · SpendQuery