FAR 1.501-1—Definition.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 1.501-1 defines the phrase “significant revisions” for use in Subpart 1.5, which governs publicizing and reviewing proposed changes to the FAR System. This definition matters because it determines when a change is important enough to trigger the more formal notice-and-comment and coordination processes associated with substantive FAR revisions. The section focuses on two core ideas: whether a revision changes the substantive meaning of FAR coverage, and whether that change has a significant cost or administrative impact on contractors or offerors, or a significant effect beyond the issuing agency’s internal operating procedures. It also draws a clear line between major policy changes and non-substantive edits such as editorial, stylistic, or other wording changes that do not alter the meaning of the rule. In practice, this definition helps agencies decide which revisions require broader review and public participation, and it helps contractors understand when a FAR change may affect bidding, compliance, pricing, or administration.
Key Rules
Substantive meaning matters
A revision is significant if it alters the substantive meaning of FAR coverage. The focus is on whether the rule changes rights, obligations, procedures, or policy content—not just whether the wording looks different.
Cost or administrative impact
The revision must have a significant cost or administrative impact on contractors or offerors to qualify as significant. This captures changes that may affect proposal preparation, compliance burdens, recordkeeping, pricing, or contract administration.
External effect beyond the agency
A revision is also significant if it has a significant effect beyond the issuing agency’s internal operating procedures. In other words, changes that affect the regulated community or the acquisition system outside the agency are more likely to be treated as significant.
Editorial changes are excluded
Editorial, stylistic, and similar non-substantive revisions are not significant if they do not change the basic meaning of the coverage. Simple wording cleanup, formatting, or clarification without policy impact does not meet the definition.
Definition applies within this subpart
The term is defined specifically for use in this subpart of FAR Part 1. It is a control term used to determine how revisions are processed, not a general definition for every FAR context.
Responsibilities
Issuing Agency
Determine whether a proposed FAR revision is significant by assessing both substantive impact and cost or administrative effects. If the change is significant, the agency must follow the more formal procedures applicable to significant revisions under the subpart.
Contracting Officers
Monitor FAR changes and understand whether a revision is merely editorial or actually changes substantive requirements. Apply the revised coverage correctly in solicitations and contracts once it becomes effective.
Contractors and Offerors
Review proposed and final FAR changes to identify revisions that may affect proposal preparation, compliance obligations, pricing, or contract administration. Participate in the rulemaking process when significant revisions are open for comment or otherwise publicly reviewed.
FAR System Policymakers and Drafters
Draft revisions carefully to distinguish substantive policy changes from non-substantive edits. Use this definition to decide whether a change should be treated as significant and processed accordingly.
Practical Implications
This definition is a gatekeeper for FAR rulemaking: if a change is significant, it usually receives more scrutiny and broader stakeholder involvement.
Contractors should not assume every FAR edit is meaningful; many changes are editorial only and do not alter obligations or rights.
A common pitfall is underestimating administrative impact—small wording changes can still be significant if they change reporting, certification, or compliance burdens.
Contracting officers should verify whether a revision is substantive before applying it in solicitations or modifications, especially when the change affects evaluation, pricing, or administration.
Because the definition turns on impact as well as wording, agencies should document why a revision is or is not significant to support the chosen publication and review process.
Official Regulatory Text
Significant revisions , as used in this subpart, means revisions that alter the substantive meaning of any coverage in the FAR System and which have a significant cost or administrative impact on contractors or offerors, or significant effect beyond the internal operating procedures of the issuing agency. This expression, for example, does not include editorial, stylistic, or other revisions that have no impact on the basic meaning of the coverage being revised.