DFARS Part 251: Use of Government Sources by Contractors

In plain English

DFARS Part 251 implements FAR Part 51 by providing DoD-specific policies and clauses for contractor use of Government supply sources, such as fuel from DLA Energy and interagency fleet management services. It matters because it authorizes certain uses and prescribes mandatory contract clauses that contractors must follow when using these sources.

Key rules

• Contracting officers may authorize contractors to use Defense Logistics Agency Energy as a source of fuel for other than cost-reimbursement contracts when the fuel is funded by the Defense Working Capital Fund. (251.101)
• When authorizing contractor use of Government supply sources, contracting officers must follow the procedures in PGI 251.102. (251.102)
• The contracting officer may authorize the contractor to use DD Form 1155 when requisitioning from the Department of Veterans Affairs. (251.102)
• The authorizing agency must promptly consider requests from a DoD supply source to refuse to honor requisitions from a contractor that is indebted to DoD and has failed to pay proper invoices in a timely manner. (251.102)
• Use the clause at 252.251-7000, Ordering From Government Supply Sources, in solicitations and contracts that include the clause at FAR 52.251-1. (251.107)
• For contractor insurance, see FAR 28.307-2(c); for self-insurance, see FAR 28.308; and for allowability of insurance costs, see FAR 31.205-19. (251.202)
• Paragraph (d) of the clause at 252.251-7001 satisfies the requirement of FAR 51.202(a)(5) for a written statement. (251.202)
• Use the clause at 252.251-7001, Use of Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) Vehicles and Related Services, in solicitations and contracts that include the clause at FAR 52.251-2. (251.205)

Who does what

In practice

• If you are authorized to use Government supply sources, you must follow the specific procedures and use the required forms or clauses.
• When a solicitation includes FAR 52.251-1 or FAR 52.251-2, the corresponding DFARS clause (252.251-7000 or 252.251-7001) will also be included, so you must comply with both.
• If you are indebted to DoD and fail to pay proper invoices timely, a DoD supply source may request authority to refuse your requisitions, which could disrupt your performance.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming you can use Government supply sources without specific contracting officer authorization; DFARS 251.101 and 251.102 require authorization.
• Failing to use DD Form 1155 when requisitioning from the Department of Veterans Affairs if authorized to do so.
• Overlooking the requirement to include DFARS clause 252.251-7000 when FAR 52.251-1 is in the contract, or 252.251-7001 when FAR 52.251-2 is in the contract.
• Not paying proper invoices to DoD in a timely manner, which can lead to a supply source refusing to honor your requisitions.

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.