FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 4: Administrative and Information Matters › Subpart 4.2

FAR 4.201 Procedures.

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 how and when to distribute copies of contracts and modifications after they are signed. It matters to contractors because it sets the timeline and the offices that must receive the contract, which affects who has the official paperwork. The contracting officer must distribute copies within 10 working days after execution by all parties.

Applies to: Contracting officers distributing contracts or modifications

What it requires

  • Distribute copies of contracts or modifications within 10 working days after execution by all parties
  • Distribute simultaneously one signed copy or reproduction of the signed contract to the contractor and the paying office
  • When a contract is assigned to another office for contract administration, provide that office one copy or reproduction of the signed contract and of each modification, and a copy of the contract distribution list showing offices that should receive copies of modifications and any changes to the lis
  • Distribute one copy to each accounting and finance office (funding office) whose funds are cited in the contract

Key terms: contracting officer · modification · execution · contract administration · funding office

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

The text

Contracting officers shall distribute copies of contracts or modifications within 10 working days after execution by all parties. As a minimum, the contracting officer shall—

(a) Distribute simultaneously one signed copy or reproduction of the signed contract to the contractor and the paying office;

(b) When a contract is assigned to another office for contract administration (see subpart 42.2), provide to that office—

(1) One copy or reproduction of the signed contract and of each modification; and

(2) A copy of the contract distribution list, showing those offices that should receive copies of modifications, and any changes to the list as they occur;

(c) Distribute one copy to each accounting and finance office (funding office) whose funds are cited in the contract;

(d) When the contract is not assigned for administration but contains a Cost Accounting Standards clause, provide one copy of the contract to the cognizant administrative contracting officer and mark the copy “FOR COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION ONLY” (see 30.601(b));

(e) Provide one copy of each contract or modification that requires audit service to the appropriate field audit office listed in the “Directory of Federal Contract Audit Offices” (see 42.103); and

(f) Provide copies of contracts and modifications to those organizations required to perform contract administration support functions (e.g., when manufacturing is performed at multiple sites, the contract administration office cognizant of each location).

Sections it refers to

  • 30.601 Responsibility.
  • 42.103 Contract audit services directory.

Sections that refer to it

← 4.103 Contract clause. · 4.202 Agency distribution requirements. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 4

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

FAR 4.201 Procedures · SpendQuery