FAR 1.2—Subpart 1.2

Maintenance of the FAR.

Agency compliance with the FAR.

FAR 1.202 is a short but important allocation-of-responsibility provision. It identifies which senior executive officials are responsible for ensuring agency compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and it ties that responsibility back to FAR 1.304, which governs the FAR’s authority and applicability. In practical terms, this section does not create detailed contracting procedures; instead, it establishes who at the top of the executive branch is accountable for making sure the FAR is followed within different parts of the Government. The section covers three categories of agencies: the military departments and defense agencies, civilian agencies other than NASA, and NASA activities. Its purpose is to make clear that compliance oversight is centralized at the highest agency level, which helps ensure consistent acquisition policy, accountability, and enforcement across the federal procurement system.