DFARS Part 252: Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses

In plain English

DFARS Part 252 contains the solicitation provisions and contract clauses used in Department of Defense contracts. It tells you which clauses must be included in solicitations and contracts, and what those clauses require of you as a contractor. This part matters because it affects everything from cybersecurity to payment instructions to small business subcontracting.

Key rules

• You must follow the specific requirements in each DFARS clause that is included in your contract, such as safeguarding covered defense information or reporting cyber incidents. (252.204-7012)
• If your contract includes a clause requiring a small business subcontracting plan, you must submit and comply with that plan. (252.219-7003, 252.219-7004)
• You must use the electronic payment requests and receiving reports system specified in the clause, such as Wide Area WorkFlow, when required. (252.232-7003, 252.232-7006)
• You must comply with restrictions on acquiring certain foreign products or services, such as specialty metals or telecommunications equipment, as specified in the applicable clauses. (252.225-7008, 252.225-7009, 252.204-7018)
• You must provide required representations and certifications, such as those related to former DoD officials or covered defense telecommunications equipment, when included in the solicitation. (252.203-7005, 252.204-7016, 252.204-7017)
• You must comply with cybersecurity requirements, including NIST SP 800-171 assessments and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) levels, if applicable to your contract. (252.204-7019, 252.204-7020, 252.204-7021)
• You must follow the clause on rights in technical data and computer software, which governs how the government can use, release, or disclose your data. (252.227-7013, 252.227-7014, 252.227-7015)

Who does what

In practice

• When you bid on a DoD contract, read the solicitation carefully to identify which DFARS provisions and clauses apply, and make sure you can comply with them.
• During performance, follow the specific requirements in each clause, such as using the correct payment system or safeguarding sensitive information.
• If you have a small business subcontracting plan, track your subcontracting awards to small businesses and report as required.
• For contracts involving technical data or software, understand the government's rights and any restrictions on your ability to assert rights.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming that all DFARS clauses are the same in every contract; they vary based on the type of contract and the work being performed.
• Failing to provide required representations and certifications, which can make your offer nonresponsive.
• Ignoring cybersecurity requirements, which can lead to loss of contract or liability for cyber incidents.
• Not using the required electronic payment system, which can delay payments.

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.