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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 35: Research and Development Contracting

FAR 35.017-4 Reviewing FFRDC's.

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 sponsor to conduct a comprehensive review of an FFRDC before extending its contract or agreement. The review examines whether the FFRDC is still needed, whether alternatives exist, and how well it performs. The head of the sponsoring agency then decides whether to continue or terminate sponsorship.

Applies to: Sponsors of Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)

What it requires

  • Conduct a comprehensive review of the use and need for the FFRDC prior to extending the contract or agreement
  • Coordinate the review with any co-sponsors
  • If sponsorship is no longer appropriate, apprise other agencies which use the FFRDC and afford them an opportunity to assume sponsorship
  • Ensure the review includes the items listed in paragraph (c)

Key terms: FFRDC · sponsor · co-sponsors · sponsoring agreement · head of the sponsoring agency

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

The text

(a) The sponsor, prior to extending the contract or agreement with an FFRDC, shall conduct a comprehensive review of the use and need for the FFRDC. The review will be coordinated with any co-sponsors and may be performed in conjunction with the budget process. If the sponsor determines that its sponsorship is no longer appropriate, it shall apprise other agencies which use the FFRDC of the determination and afford them an opportunity to assume sponsorship.

(b) Approval to continue or terminate the sponsorship shall rest with the head of the sponsoring agency. This determination shall be based upon the results of the review conducted in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection.

(c) An FFRDC review should include the following:

(1) An examination of the sponsor's special technical needs and mission requirements that are performed by the FFRDC to determine if and at what level they continue to exist.

(2) Consideration of alternative sources to meet the sponsor's needs.

(3) An assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of the FFRDC in meeting the sponsor's needs, including the FFRDC's ability to maintain its objectivity, independence, quick response capability, currency in its field(s) of expertise, and familiarity with the needs of its sponsor.

(4) An assessment of the adequacy of the FFRDC management in ensuring a cost-effective operation.

(5) A determination that the criteria for establishing the FFRDC continue to be satisfied and that the sponsoring agreement is in compliance with 35.017-1.

Sections it refers to

← 35.017-3 Using an FFRDC. · 35.017-5 Terminating FFRDC. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 35

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

FAR 35.017-4 Reviewing FFRDC's · SpendQuery