FAR 1.700—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 1.700 is a scope statement for Subpart 1.7, which governs the general policies and procedures for determinations and findings (D&Fs) in federal procurement. It tells readers that this subpart is not the place to find every specific D&F requirement; instead, it establishes the overall framework for when and how D&Fs are used, while the detailed requirements for particular D&Fs are located in the FAR subject-matter provisions that require them. In practice, this means contracting personnel must look first to the relevant substantive FAR part or section to determine whether a D&F is needed, what it must say, and who must approve it. The section’s practical significance is that it prevents users from treating D&Fs as a one-size-fits-all document and reinforces that each D&F is tied to a specific regulatory requirement. For contractors, the section matters because D&Fs can affect competition, contract structure, approvals, and other acquisition decisions, even though contractors usually do not prepare them. For contracting officers and agencies, it is a reminder that compliance depends on following both the general D&F framework and the specific rule that calls for the D&F.
Key Rules
Subpart sets general policy
This subpart provides the overarching policies and procedures for using determinations and findings in federal acquisitions. It is the general framework for D&Fs, not the source of every specific D&F requirement.
Specific D&Fs live elsewhere
The actual requirement for a particular D&F, including its content and approval rules, is found in the FAR subject matter that addresses the underlying acquisition issue. Users must consult the applicable FAR section that calls for the D&F.
D&Fs are issue-specific
A D&F is tied to a particular procurement decision or exception, so its requirements depend on the subject matter involved. The scope section makes clear that D&Fs are not standardized across all situations.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Identify whether a D&F is required by the applicable FAR provision, follow the general policies in Subpart 1.7, and ensure the D&F meets the specific requirements of the subject-matter regulation.
Agency
Apply the general D&F framework consistently and ensure internal procedures align with the FAR’s general policies and any subject-specific D&F requirements.
Contractor
Understand that D&Fs may affect procurement actions and contract administration, but recognize that the government determines whether a D&F is needed and what it must contain.
Practical Implications
Do not assume Subpart 1.7 contains the full rule for every D&F; always check the FAR section that creates the D&F requirement.
A common mistake is using a generic D&F template without confirming the specific findings, approvals, or rationale required for that procurement issue.
Contracting officers should document the decision in the form required by the applicable FAR provision, not just in a general memorandum.
Because D&Fs can support exceptions or key acquisition decisions, missing the subject-specific requirement can create a compliance problem even if the general format looks correct.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart prescribes general policies and procedures for the use of determinations and findings (D&F’s). Requirements for specific types of D&F’s can be found with the appropriate subject matter.