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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 51: Use of Government Sources by Contractors › Subpart 51.1

FAR 51.103 Ordering from Government supply sources.

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 contractors how to place orders when buying from Government supply sources, such as Federal Supply Schedules or Government stock. It requires following the schedule's terms and the contracting officer's authorization, and including specific paperwork and a statement with each order. It matters because orders that don't follow these steps may not be properly authorized.

Applies to: Contractors placing orders under Federal Supply Schedules or for Government stock

What it requires

  • Follow the terms of the applicable schedule and authorization when ordering under Federal Supply Schedules
  • Include a copy of the authorization with each order unless one was already furnished to the schedule contractor
  • Include the specified statement about the order being placed under written authorization
  • Comply with the contracting officer's authorization requirements, using FEDSTRIP or MILSTRIP procedures as appropriate

Key terms: Federal Supply Schedules · authorization · Government stock · FEDSTRIP · MILSTRIP

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

The text

(a) Contractors placing orders under Federal Supply Schedules shall follow the terms of the applicable schedule and authorization and include with each order—

(1) A copy of the authorization (unless a copy was previously furnished to the Federal Supply Schedule contractor); and

(2) The following statement:

This order is placed under written authorization from ______________________ dated____________. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this order and those of your Federal Supply Schedule contract, the latter will govern.

(b) Contractors placing orders for Government stock shall—

(1) Comply with the requirements of the contracting officer's authorization, using FEDSTRIP or MILSTRIP procedures, as appropriate;

(2) Use only the Government activity address code obtained by the contracting officer in accordance with 51.102(e) along with the contractor's assigned access code, when ordering from GSA Customer Supply Centers.

(3) Order only those items required in the performance of their contracts.

Sections it refers to

  • 51.102 Authorization to use Government supply sources.

← 51.102 Authorization to use Government supply sources. · 51.104 Furnishing assistance to contractors. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 51

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

FAR 51.103 Ordering from Government supply sources · SpendQuery