FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 53: Forms › Subpart 53.1
FAR 53.105 Computer generation.
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 allows contractors to computer generate the forms prescribed in FAR Part 53 without needing exception approval, as long as certain conditions are met. It matters because it gives flexibility in how required forms are produced and submitted, while keeping the form's identifying information intact.
Applies to: Contractors using forms prescribed by FAR Part 53
What it requires
- Ensure there is no change to the name, content, or sequence of the data elements, and the form carries the Standard or Optional Form number and edition date
- Or ensure the form is in an electronic format covered by the ANSI X12 Standards or a format that can be translated into one of those standards
Key terms: computer generated · exception approval · Standard or Optional Form number · edition date · ANSI X12 Standards
Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.
The text
(a) The forms prescribed by this part may be computer generated—without exception approval (see 53.103), provided—
(1) There is no change to the name, content, or sequence of the data elements, and the form carries the Standard or Optional Form number and edition date (see 53.111); or
(2) The form is in an electronic format covered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) X12 Standards published by the Accredited Standards Committee X12 on Electronic Data Interchange or a format that can be translated into one of those standards.
(b) The standards listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may also be used for submission of data set forth in other parts for which specific forms have not been prescribed.
← 53.104 Overprinting. · 53.106 Special construction and printing. →
Rule changes for FAR Part 53
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 1, 2, 4, 33, 39, 40, and 53 ↗ · proposed 2026-06-23 · comments due 2026-07-23
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Controlled Unclassified Information ↗ · proposed 2025-01-15 · comments due 2025-03-17
- Federal Acquisition Regulation; Technical Amendments ↗ · final rule 2024-07-30 · effective 2024-08-29
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.