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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 36: Construction and Architect-engineer Contracts › Subpart 36.6

FAR 36.601-4 Implementation.

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 tells contracting officers which services count as 'architect-engineer services' under the FAR. If your services fall into these categories, they must be procured using the special procedures in this subpart, not ordinary competitive procedures. It also allows awards to any firm legally permitted to practice architecture or engineering.

Applies to: Contracting officers and firms providing architectural or engineering services

Key terms: architect-engineer services · registered architect or engineer · professional services · surveying and mapping · real property

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

The text

(a) Contracting officers should consider the following services to be “architect-engineer services” subject to the procedures of this subpart:

(1) Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, as defined by applicable State law, which the State law requires to be performed or approved by a registered architect or engineer.

(2) Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature associated with design or construction of real property.

(3) Other professional services of an architectural or engineering nature or services incidental thereto (including studies, investigations, surveying and mapping, tests, evaluations, consultations, comprehensive planning, program management, conceptual designs, plans and specifications, value engineering, construction phase services, soils engineering, drawing reviews, preparation of operating and maintenance manuals and other related services) that logically or justifiably require performance by registered architects or engineers or their employees.

(4) Professional surveying and mapping services on an architectural or engineering nature. Surveying is considered to be an architectural and engineering service and shall be procured pursuant to 36.601 from registered surveyors or architects and engineers. Mapping associated with the research, planning, development, design, construction, or alteration of real property is considered to be an architectural and engineering service and is to be procured pursuant to 36.601. However, mapping services that are not connected to traditionally understood or accepted architectural and engineering activities, are not incidental to such architectural and engineering activities or have not in themselves traditionally been considered architectural and engineering services shall be procured pursuant to provisions in parts 13, 14, and 15.

(b) Contracting officers may award contracts for architect-engineer services to any firm permitted by law to practice the professions of architecture or engineering.

Sections it refers to

Sections that refer to it

  • 36.601-3 Applicable contracting procedures.

← 36.601-3 Applicable contracting procedures. · 36.602 Selection of firms for architect-engineer contracts. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 36

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

FAR 36.601-4 Implementation · SpendQuery