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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 51: Use of Government Sources by Contractors › Subpart 51.2

FAR 51.202 Authorization.

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

FAR 51.202 explains when a contracting officer can authorize a cost-reimbursement contractor to use interagency fleet management system (IFMS) vehicles and related services. The contracting officer must meet several conditions, such as determining economies and ensuring insurance, and the authorization must be in writing with specific details. This matters because it sets the rules for contractor use of government vehicles under cost-reimbursement contracts.

Applies to: Cost-reimbursement contractors and their subcontractors

What it requires

  • Obtain motor vehicle liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage, with limits required or approved by the agency.
  • Establish and enforce suitable penalties for employees who misuse Government vehicles.
  • Provide a written statement assuming costs for any non-contract use of IFMS vehicles and services without reimbursement from the Government.
  • Comply with applicable policies and procedures in this subpart when authorized.

Key terms: interagency fleet management system (IFMS) · cost-reimbursement contractor · contracting officer · motor vehicle liability insurance · subcontractors

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

The text

(a) The contracting officer may authorize a cost-reimbursement contractor to obtain interagency fleet management system (IFMS) vehicles and related services, if the contracting officer has—

(1) Determined that the authorization will accomplish the agency's contractual objectives and effect demonstrable economies;

(2) Received evidence that the contractor has obtained motor vehicle liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage, with limits of liability as required or approved by the agency, protecting the contractor and the Government against third-party claims arising from the ownership, maintenance, or use of an interagency fleet management system (IFMS) vehicle;

(3) Arranged for periodic checks to ensure that authorized contractors are using vehicles and related services exclusively under cost-reimbursement contracts;

(4) Ensured that contractors shall establish and enforce suitable penalties for their employees who use or authorize the use of Government vehicles for other than performance of Government contracts (see 41 CFR 101-38.301-1);

(5) Received a written statement that the contractor will assume, without the right of reimbursement from the Government, the cost or expense of any use of interagency fleet management system (IFMS) vehicles and services not related to the performance of the contract; and

(6) Considered any recommendations of the contractor.

(b) The authorization shall—

(1) Be in writing;

(2) Cite the contract number;

(3) Specify any limitations on the authority, including its duration, and any other pertinent information; and

(4) Instruct the contractor to comply with the applicable policies and procedures provided in this subpart.

(c) Authorizations to subcontractors shall be issued through, and with the approval of, the contractor.

(d) Contracting officers authorizing contractor use of interagency fleet management system (IFMS) vehicles and related services subject their agencies to the responsibilities and liabilities provided in 41 CFR 101-39.4 regarding accidents and claims.

Sections that refer to it

← 51.201 Policy. · 51.203 Means of obtaining service. →

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 51.202 Authorization · SpendQuery