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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 42: Contract Administration and Audit Services › Subpart 42.2

FAR 42.201 Contract administration responsibilities.

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 describes the contract administration office's responsibilities for each contract assigned to it for administration. It tells the CAO to perform the functions in 42.302(a) unless they are specifically withheld, and to perform the functions in 42.302(b) only when the contracting officer specifically authorizes it. It also requires the CAO to request supporting contract administration when needed.

Applies to: Contract administration offices (CAOs) handling assigned contracts

What it requires

  • Perform the functions listed in 42.302(a) to the extent they apply, except those specifically withheld
  • Perform the functions listed in 42.302(b) only when and to the extent specifically authorized by the contracting officer
  • Request supporting contract administration under 42.202(e) and (f) when required

Key terms: contract administration office (CAO) · contracting officer · supporting contract administration · Defense Contract Management Agency

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

The text

(a) For each contract assigned for administration, the contract administration office (CAO) (see 48 CFR 2.101) shall—

(1) Perform the functions listed in 42.302(a) to the extent that they apply to the contract, except for the functions specifically withheld;

(2) Perform the functions listed in 42.302(b) only when and to the extent specifically authorized by the contracting officer; and

(3) Request supporting contract administration under 42.202(e) and (f) when it is required.

(b) The Defense Contract Management Agency and other agencies offer a wide variety of contract administration and support services.

Sections it refers to

  • 2.101 Definitions.
  • 42.302 Contract administration functions.
  • 42.202 Assignment of contract administration.

Sections that refer to it

  • 46.103 Contracting office responsibilities.

← 42.103 Contract audit services directory. · 42.202 Assignment of contract administration. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 42

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

FAR 42.201 Contract administration responsibilities · SpendQuery