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

FAR 36.605 Government cost estimate for architect-engineer work.

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 an independent Government cost estimate for architect-engineer services before negotiations begin on contracts or modifications expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The estimate must be based on a detailed analysis of the required work, and access to it is generally limited to Government personnel who need it for their official duties.

Applies to: Architect-engineer services contracts and modifications expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold

What it requires

  • Prepare an independent Government estimate of the cost of architect-engineer services
  • Furnish the estimate to the contracting officer before negotiations begin
  • Base the estimate on a detailed analysis of the required work as though the Government were submitting a proposal
  • Limit access to the Government estimate to Government personnel whose official duties require knowledge of it

Key terms: independent Government estimate · architect-engineer services · contracting officer · simplified acquisition threshold · contract modification

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

The text

(a) An independent Government estimate of the cost of architect-engineer services shall be prepared and furnished to the contracting officer before commencing negotiations for each proposed contract or contract modification expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The estimate shall be prepared on the basis of a detailed analysis of the required work as though the Government were submitting a proposal.

(b) Access to information concerning the Government estimate shall be limited to Government personnel whose official duties require knowledge of the estimate. An exception to this rule may be made during contract negotiations to allow the contracting officer to identify a specialized task and disclose the associated cost breakdown figures in the Government estimate, but only to the extent deemed necessary to arrive at a fair and reasonable price. The overall amount of the Government's estimate shall not be disclosed except as permitted by agency regulations.

← 36.604 Performance evaluation. · 36.606 Negotiations. →

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 36.605 Government cost estimate for architect-engineer work · SpendQuery