Reference · Contracting basics & process
FAR
Federal Acquisition Regulation
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the primary rulebook governing how executive-branch agencies buy goods and services. It sets the uniform policies, procedures, and contract clauses that apply across federal procurement.
What it is
The FAR is organized into parts covering the acquisition lifecycle — competition, contract types, small-business programs, clauses, and more. Its clauses (Part 52) are the actual terms written into contracts.
Why it exists
It gives the whole executive branch one consistent set of acquisition rules, so buyers and sellers operate under common expectations.
Who it applies to
Every contractor selling to civilian and defense agencies. Agencies add supplements — the DoD's is the DFARS — for their specific needs.
Frequently asked
What is the FAR?
The FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) is the primary regulation governing how executive-branch agencies purchase goods and services. It sets uniform policies, procedures, and the contract clauses used across federal procurement, and agencies add their own supplements such as the DFARS.
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