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

FAR 36.602-5 Short selection process for contracts not to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

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 allows agencies to use a shortened process for selecting architect-engineer firms when the contract is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If the agency authorizes it, either a board review or a chairperson-led review can replace the longer procedures in 36.602-3 and 36.602-4. The resulting selection report directly authorizes the contracting officer to start negotiations under 36.606.

Applies to: Agencies selecting architect-engineer firms for contracts not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold

What it requires

  • Follow the short process only when authorized by the agency
  • If not authorized, follow the procedures in 36.602-3 and 36.602-4
  • For selection by the board, provide the selection report directly to the contracting officer
  • For selection by the chairperson, obtain approval from the agency head or designated selection authority before furnishing the report to the contracting officer

Key terms: simplified acquisition threshold · architect-engineer firms · selection report · contracting officer · negotiations

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

The text

When authorized by the agency, either or both of the short processes described in this subsection may be used to select firms for contracts not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Otherwise, the procedures prescribed in 36.602-3 and 36.602-4 shall be followed.

(a) Selection by the board. The board shall review and evaluate architect-engineer firms in accordance with 36.602-3, except that the selection report shall serve as the final selection list and shall be provided directly to the contracting officer. The report shall serve as an authorization for the contracting officer to commence negotiations in accordance with 36.606.

(b) Selection by the chairperson of the board. When the board decides that formal action by the board is not necessary in connection with a particular selection, the following procedures shall be followed:

(1) The chairperson of the board shall perform the functions required in 36.602-3.

(2) The agency head or designated selection authority shall review the report and approve it or return it to the chairperson for appropriate revision.

(3) Upon receipt of an approved report, the chairperson of the board shall furnish the contracting officer a copy of the report which will serve as an authorization for the contracting officer to commence negotiations in accordance with 36.606.

Sections it refers to

Sections that refer to it

← 36.602-4 Selection authority. · 36.603 Collecting data on and appraising firms' qualifications. →

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 36.602-5 Short selection process for contracts not to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold · SpendQuery