FAR and DFARS › DFARS Part 237

DFARS Part 237: Service Contracting

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

DFARS Part 237 provides DoD-specific policies and procedures for service contracting, covering a wide range of services from firefighting and security guards to mortuary services and contract working dogs. It matters to contractors because it sets limits on what services can be contracted, approval requirements, mandatory clauses, and special rules for certain types of service contracts.

Key rules

DoD is generally prohibited from contracting for firefighting or security-guard functions at military installations, unless an exception applies. (237.102-70)
Contracts for military flight simulators are limited and must meet specific definitions and conditions. (237.102-71)
DoD may award contracts for management services that primarily perform acquisition support functions, subject to certain conditions. (237.102-72)
DoD is prohibited from entering into contracts for the services of senior mentors. (237.102-73)
Personal service contracts for experts or consultants are limited to 1 year and require a determination and findings. (237.104, 237.106)
Approval requirements apply to certain service acquisitions based on dollar thresholds and performance-based criteria. (237.170-2)
Contractor personnel interacting with detainees must receive Government-provided training, and the clause at 252.237-7019 must be included in applicable contracts. (237.171-3, 237.171-4)
No detainee may be interrogated by contractor personnel, and the clause at 252.237-7010 must be included in applicable contracts. (237.173-3, 237.173-5)

Who does what

Contracting officers

Provide written notification to affected incumbent contractors of Government in-sourcing determinations within 20 business days of receiving the decision.
Ensure quality assurance surveillance plans are prepared in conjunction with the statement of work or statement of objectives for service contracts.
May issue a determination that the service life of a contract working dog has terminated if conditions are documented.

Contractors

Contractor personnel interacting with detainees must receive Government-provided training.
Contractors providing essential contractor services must be prepared to continue providing such services during periods of crisis.

Agencies

The agency head or designee shall employ procedures to ensure that requirements for service contracts are vetted and approved to prevent unauthorized personal services contracts.
The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition on interrogation of detainees by contractor personnel for a period of 60 days, renewable for an additional 30 days, if vital to national security.

In practice

When bidding on DoD service contracts, check for mandatory clauses and special requirements that may apply to the specific type of service.
Be aware that certain services, such as firefighting, security-guard functions, and senior mentors, are generally prohibited or heavily restricted.
For personal service contracts, ensure the duration does not exceed 1 year and that a determination and findings is in place.
If providing essential contractor services, be prepared to continue performance during crises as specified in the contract.

Common pitfalls

Assuming you can contract for firefighting or security-guard functions without checking the exceptions in 237.102-70.
Overlooking the requirement to include the clause at 252.237-7019 for contracts involving detainee interaction.
Failing to prepare a quality assurance surveillance plan for service contracts as required by 237.172.
Not providing the required notification to incumbent contractors when in-sourcing actions are taken, as mandated by 237.102-79.

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.