A Guide to Federal Acquisition Regulations or FAR

The FAR, or Federal Acquisition Regulation, is a set of rules and guidelines issued by the federal government to standardize the contracting process for all government acquisitions. These regulations are essential for businesses looking to engage in federal government contracting and activity reporting. The FAR covers a wide range of topics, including acquisition planning, contract administration, labor laws, and simplified acquisition thresholds. It is important for independent contractors and vendors to be familiar with these regulations.

In addition to the FAR, businesses working with the Department of Defense (DoD) may also be subject to the DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement). These regulations provide specific guidelines for contracts with defense agencies and are used in conjunction with the FAR. Businesses looking to work with the federal government should ensure that their registration is complete and that they are familiar with both the FAR and DFARS regulations. In addition, other federal agencies may have their own specific set of supplemental acquisition regulations.

FAR and DFARS Compliance for Federal Contractors

It is important for businesses in the federal contracting space to be familiar with the regulations outlined in the FAR and the DFARS, as well as federal and state employment laws. These regulations can have a significant impact on acquisition strategies and the ability of a business to meet the acquisition requirements of a federal agency successfully.

Did you know that the FAR is comprised of 53 parts, each containing a variety of subparts, sections, and subsections? These parts and subparts provide direction to the government on which clauses are contractually binding between the government and the vendor.

Just like any set of laws, understanding the FAR is essential for any business looking to succeed in the federal contracting space. Failure to comply with these regulations can disqualify a business from a contract opportunity.

Deep dive into FAR and DFARS Compliance

At FedBiz Access, we understand that the process of federal contracting can be overwhelming for vendors, particularly when it comes to company Representations and Certifications (Reps and Certs) in the System for Award Management (SAM) registration process. These annual submissions are required for vendors to acknowledge and comply with all relevant federal acquisition regulations (FARs) and laws required by the department of labor.

Our team of experts specializes in helping vendors navigate the various sections and requirements included in SAM by providing support in reviewing FAR terminology and regulations with clients to help ensure compliance with entity registrations based on their specific industry and product or service. We understand that many businesses may not have the time or resources to fully understand all the federal regulations, which is why we offer our services to help clients meet the federal agency acquisition requirements and provide guidance throughout the process.

It is important for businesses to read and understand their specific requirements under the FAR and DFAR. In the SAM registration, every business must attest that they will adhere to these requirements, and their Reps and Certs must be included in each bid proposal. This certification must be repeated annually along with the renewal of the SAM registration.

A copy of the FARs and DFARS attestation can be downloaded at www.SAM.gov by using the search records feature. It’s important to note that these Reps and Certs can be quite extensive and complex, so working with a team of experts like FedBiz Access can be an invaluable asset for businesses looking to succeed in the federal contracting space.<

Back to Basics

As a government contractor, it is essential to be familiar with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the specific regulations that apply to your business and contract type. The FAR, set by the Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), provides government-wide uniform policies and procedures for the acquisition of goods and services and plays a crucial role in every stage of the contracting process, from bidding to compliance.

Knowing the FAR can help you review solicitations more efficiently and can protect you from potential legal penalties, particularly when it comes to issues such as business practices, safeguarding classified information, and overtime pay. By familiarizing yourself with the FAR, you can ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid any potential issues that may arise during the contracting process.