What Is the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)?

The Federal Acquisition Regulation, commonly referred to as “FAR,” is a collection of regulations governing the process by which the federal government purchases products, supplies, and services. The FAR consists of 53 parts, each covering a different aspect of the government procurement process. FAR part 52, for example, provides solicitation provisions and clauses that can (and in some instances must) be inserted into contracts with the government. While the FAR applies to all executive agencies, many agencies, such as the Departments of Defense, State, and Veterans Affairs, have issued their own supplements to the FAR which provide regulatory guidance on contracting issues that are unique to them.

The FAR regulations are issued jointly by the FAR Council, which is made up of the Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The FAR Council is constantly adding and amending provisions, so any company that is currently or considering doing business with the federal government should ensure that they are staying up to date with changes to the FAR.

The Winston Government Contracts Team has extensive expertise in understanding and interpreting the FAR and advising and litigating on behalf of clients on FAR- related compliance issues.