FAR 1.302—Limitations.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 1.302 explains the limits on agency acquisition regulations, meaning the rules an individual agency may add on top of the FAR. It covers two categories only: regulations needed to implement FAR policies and procedures within the agency, and additional policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, or contract clauses that supplement the FAR to meet the agency’s specific needs. The purpose is to keep agency-level acquisition rules from drifting beyond the FAR framework while still allowing agencies enough flexibility to address mission-specific requirements. In practice, this section matters because it controls how much an agency can customize its procurement rules, affects the validity and scope of agency supplements, and helps contractors understand whether a solicitation provision or clause is properly grounded in agency authority. It also reinforces consistency across the federal procurement system by making the FAR the baseline and agency regulations the exception, not the rule.
Key Rules
Agency rules must implement FAR
An agency may issue acquisition regulations that are necessary to carry out FAR policies and procedures inside that agency. These rules are meant to operationalize the FAR, not replace it or create a separate procurement system.
Supplemental rules need agency need
Agencies may add policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, or contract clauses that supplement the FAR only when needed to satisfy the agency’s specific requirements. The supplement must be tied to a real agency need, such as mission, statutory, or operational differences.
Agency regulations are limited
This section is a restriction, not a broad grant of authority. Agency acquisition regulations must stay within the two permitted categories and should not introduce unrelated requirements or conflict with the FAR.
Solicitation and clause authority
The section expressly allows agencies to add solicitation provisions and contract clauses, but only as supplemental tools to meet specific agency needs. These additions must still fit within the FAR structure and the agency’s delegated authority.
Responsibilities
Agency
Issue acquisition regulations only to implement FAR policies and procedures or to address specific agency needs through supplemental policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, or contract clauses.
Contracting Officer
Apply agency acquisition regulations only when they are properly authorized under this section and ensure solicitations and contracts use only valid agency-specific provisions and clauses.
Policy/Regulatory Officials
Draft, review, and maintain agency acquisition regulations so they remain limited to the purposes allowed by FAR 1.302 and do not conflict with the FAR.
Contractor
Review agency-specific solicitation provisions and contract clauses for compliance and understand that agency supplements may impose additional requirements only when properly authorized.
Practical Implications
Agencies cannot freely invent procurement rules; every agency supplement should be traceable to FAR implementation or a specific agency need.
Contractors should pay close attention to agency supplements because they can add requirements beyond the FAR, but those additions may be challengeable if they exceed the limits of FAR 1.302.
Contracting officers should verify that agency clauses and provisions are properly issued and do not conflict with the FAR or exceed agency authority.
A common pitfall is treating agency preference as sufficient justification; this section requires a real implementation or agency-specific need, not just convenience.
This rule helps preserve uniformity across federal procurement while still allowing mission-driven differences, so compliance reviews should focus on both authority and necessity.
Official Regulatory Text
Agency acquisition regulations shall be limited to- (a) Those necessary to implement FAR policies and procedures within the agency; and (b) Additional policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, or contract clauses that supplement the FAR to satisfy the specific needs of the agency.