Federal Contracting Glossary
FAR / DFARS
The Federal Acquisition Regulation and its Defense supplement — the rulebooks that govern how U.S. agencies buy goods and services.
Definition
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the primary, government-wide rulebook for executive-branch acquisition. Organized into parts (for example Part 6 competition, Part 12 commercial items, Part 13 simplified acquisition, Part 15 negotiated procurement, Part 19 small business), the FAR sets the policies and the standard clauses that appear in solicitations and contracts.
The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) adds Department of Defense-specific rules on top of the FAR — including requirements that matter greatly to contractors, such as the DFARS 252.204-7012 safeguarding and CMMC-related cybersecurity clauses. Many agencies maintain their own FAR supplements as well (for example GSAR, AFARS). Knowing which clauses apply, and reading them, is fundamental to compliant proposing and performance.
How this affects your proposal
When a solicitation cites a FAR or DFARS clause, read it — the clauses carry binding obligations on pricing, certifications, cybersecurity, and performance. "Compliance with the referenced clauses" is not boilerplate; it is part of what makes your proposal awardable.
Common questions about far / dfars
What is the difference between the FAR and DFARS?
The FAR applies government-wide; the DFARS is the Department of Defense supplement that adds or tailors rules for defense acquisitions. DFARS clauses always sit on top of, not instead of, the FAR.
Where do FAR clauses show up in a solicitation?
Primarily in Section I (contract clauses), with related instructions and certifications in Sections L and K. The solicitation lists the clauses incorporated by reference and in full.
Related terms
SAM.gov
The U.S. federal government's official system for contract opportunities and entity reg…
Negotiated Procurement
A federal acquisition conducted under FAR Part 15, where the agency may hold discussion…
NAICS Code & Size Standard
The industry classification code assigned to a solicitation and its associated SBA size…
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