FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 8: Required Sources of Supplies and Services › Subpart 8.7

FAR 8.705-3 Allocation process.

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 how an ordering office requests an allocation from the central nonprofit agency when the direct order process is not authorized, so that a specific AbilityOne participating nonprofit agency is designated to produce the supplies or perform the service. It also lists the information the request must contain and what the ordering office must do once an allocation is received. This matters because it sets the steps and timing a contractor-side ordering office must follow before an order can be placed.

Applies to: Ordering offices using the AbilityOne allocation process when direct order authority has not been authorized

What it requires

  • Submit a written request for allocation to the central nonprofit agency designated in the Procurement List
  • Request allocations in sufficient time for a reply, for orders to be placed, and for the nonprofit agency to produce the supplies or provide the service within the required delivery or performance schedule
  • Include the specified information in the allocation request (for supplies: item name, stock number, latest specification, quantity, unit price, required delivery date, and destination; for services: type and location of service, latest specification, work to be performed, estimated volume, and requi
  • Promptly issue an order to the specified AbilityOne participating nonprofit agency or to the central nonprofit agency as instructed by the allocation

Key terms: allocation · central nonprofit agency · Procurement List · AbilityOne participating nonprofit agency · ordering office

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

The text

(a) When the direct order process has not been authorized, the ordering office shall submit a written request for allocation (requesting the designation of the AbilityOneparticipating nonprofit agency to produce the supplies or perform the service) to the central nonprofit agency designated in the Procurement List. Ordering offices shall request allocations in sufficient time for a reply, for orders to be placed, and for the nonprofit agency to produce the supplies or provide the service within the required delivery or performance schedule.

(b) The ordering office's request to the central nonprofit agency for allocation shall include the following information:

(1) For supplies—Item name, stock number, latest specification, quantity, unit price, date delivery is required, and destination to which delivery is to be made.

(2) For services—Type and location of service required, latest specification, work to be performed, estimated volume, and required date or dates for completion.

(3) Other requirements; e.g., packing, marking, as necessary.

(c) When an allocation is received, the ordering office shall promptly issue an order to the specified AbilityOne participating nonprofit agency or to the central nonprofit agency, as instructed by the allocation. If the issuance of an order is to be delayed for more than 15 days beyond receipt of the allocation, or canceled, the ordering office shall advise the central nonprofit agency immediately.

(d) Ordering offices may issue orders without limitation as to dollar amount and shall record them upon issuance as obligations. Each order shall include, as a minimum, the information contained in the request for allocation. Ordering offices shall also include additional instructions necessary for performance under the order; e.g., on the handling of Government-furnished property, reports required, and notification of shipment.

← 8.705-2 Direct-order process. · 8.705-4 Compliance with orders. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 8

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