FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 52

FAR Part 52: Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses

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 Part 52 contains the standard solicitation provisions and contract clauses that agencies use in contracts. It tells you which provisions and clauses apply, how they are incorporated, and how to complete or modify them. As a contractor, you must read and comply with the provisions and clauses in your solicitation and contract.

Key rules

  • Provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference or in full text, and you must follow the instructions in the solicitation. (52.102, 52.103)
  • You may be required to complete certain provisions and clauses by filling in blanks or checking boxes. (52.104)
  • Alternates to provisions and clauses may be used, and you must pay attention to which alternates are included. (52.105)
  • The contracting officer must use the provisions and clauses prescribed in subpart 52.1. (52.107)
  • Many clauses require you to make representations and certifications, such as about your business size or responsibility matters. (52.204-8, 52.209-5, 52.212-3)
  • Some clauses impose prohibitions, like not using certain telecommunications equipment or contracting with entities that require internal confidentiality agreements. (52.204-25, 52.203-19)
  • Clauses may require you to report executive compensation, subcontract awards, or service contract information. (52.204-10, 52.204-14)
  • You must comply with clauses on ethics, whistleblower rights, and preventing personal conflicts of interest. (52.203-13, 52.203-17, 52.203-16)

Who does what

Contracting officers
  • Incorporate the correct provisions and clauses in solicitations and contracts.
  • Use alternates as prescribed.
  • Ensure provisions and clauses are properly completed.
Contractors
  • Read and comply with all provisions and clauses in your contract.
  • Complete required representations and certifications.
  • Follow prohibitions and reporting requirements.
Agencies
  • Prescribe provisions and clauses in subpart 52.1.
  • Ensure compliance with FAR Part 52.

In practice

  • When you bid, check the solicitation for provisions you must complete, like representations and certifications.
  • After award, review the contract clauses to understand your obligations, such as reporting or prohibitions.
  • If you have subcontracts, flow down required clauses to your subcontractors.

Common pitfalls

  • Ignoring provisions that require you to fill in information, which could make your offer nonresponsive.
  • Overlooking a clause that prohibits certain business practices, like using covered telecommunications equipment.
  • Failing to comply with reporting requirements, which could lead to penalties.

Written by AI from this part's codified text (2026-10-04); cited sections are checked against the part. A guide, not legal advice: the regulation text, the solicitation and your contract rule.

Rule changes for FAR Part 52

Subparts and sections

Subpart 52.1: Instructions for Using Provisions and Clauses

Subpart 52.2: Text of Provisions and Clauses

Subpart 52.3: Provision and Clause Matrix

← Part 51: Use of Government Sources by ContractorsPart 53: Forms →

All FAR parts

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗.

FAR Part 52: Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses · SpendQuery