FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 26: Other Socioeconomic Programs › Subpart 26.5
FAR 26.501 Applicability.
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 which contracts are covered by the subpart. It generally applies to contracts and modifications requiring a justification and approval, but lists several exceptions, including contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, commercial product/service acquisitions, work performed outside the United States, certain law enforcement undercover operations, and situations involving international obligations or foreign laws. It matters because it tells contractors when these requirements do or do not apply.
Applies to: Contracts and modifications requiring a justification and approval, with listed exceptions
Key terms: simplified acquisition threshold · commercial products · commercial services · justification and approval · 8(a) contractors
Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.
The text
This subpart applies to contracts, including contracts with 8(a) contractors under FAR subpart 19.8 and modifications that require a justification and approval (see subpart 6.3), except contracts—
(a) At or below the simplified acquisition threshold; however, the requirements of this subpart apply to all contracts of any value awarded to an individual;
(b) For the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services (see part 12);
(c) Performed outside the United States and its outlying areas or any part of a contract performed outside the United States and its outlying areas;
(d) By law enforcement agencies, if the head of the law enforcement agency or designee involved determines that application of this subpart would be inappropriate in connection with the law enforcement agency's undercover operations; or
(e) Where application would be inconsistent with the international obligations of the United States or with the laws and regulations of a foreign country.
← 26.500 Scope of subpart. · 26.502 Authority. →
Rule changes for FAR Part 26
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 6, 7, 10, 18, 26, 37, and 41 ↗ · proposed 2026-06-23 · comments due 2026-07-23
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Inflation Adjustment of Acquisition-Related Thresholds ↗ · final rule 2025-08-27 · effective 2025-10-01
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Improving Consistency Between Procurement and Nonprocurement Procedures on Suspension and Debarment ↗ · final rule 2025-01-03 · effective 2025-01-17
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Inflation Adjustment of Acquisition-Related Thresholds ↗ · proposed 2024-11-29 · comments due 2025-01-28
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Sustainable Procurement ↗ · final rule 2024-04-22 · effective 2024-05-22
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.