FAR 1.707—Signatory authority.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 1.707 addresses who is authorized to sign a determination and findings (D&F) and how that authority is controlled. It covers two core topics: first, that when a D&F is required it must be signed by the appropriate official under agency regulations; and second, that the authority to sign a D&F, or to delegate that signature authority, is determined by the specific FAR part that governs the particular type of D&F. In practice, this section is a cross-reference rule that prevents unauthorized approvals and ensures the right level of official makes the required written determination before an action proceeds. It matters because many contract actions depend on a valid D&F, and a signature by the wrong person can create a legal or procedural defect, delay award or performance, or require ratification or reapproval. For contracting officers and program officials, the section is a reminder to verify both the applicable FAR authority and the agency’s internal delegation rules before relying on a D&F.
Key Rules
Use the proper signer
When a D&F is required, it must be signed by the appropriate official. The signer is not chosen ad hoc; the agency’s regulations control who has the authority to approve that specific determination.
Follow agency regulations
Agency regulations govern which official may sign the D&F. Even if a person is involved in the acquisition, they may not sign unless the agency has assigned that authority to them.
Check the applicable FAR part
The authority to sign, or to delegate signature authority, is set out in the FAR part that applies to the particular D&F. Users must look to the specific substantive FAR provision, not just this general section, to identify the authorized official.
Delegation must be authorized
If signature authority may be delegated, that delegation must be permitted by the applicable FAR part. A delegation outside the scope of the FAR or agency rules is not valid.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Confirm that any required D&F is signed by the official authorized under the applicable FAR part and agency regulations before relying on it for the acquisition action.
Appropriate Official
Sign the D&F only if the official has the authority assigned by agency regulations and the applicable FAR part, and ensure the determination is properly documented.
Agency
Establish internal regulations and delegations that identify who may sign each type of D&F and how signature authority may be delegated, consistent with the FAR.
Program or Requirement Official
Prepare the factual basis and supporting rationale for the D&F, and route it to the correct approving official rather than assuming any supervisor can sign.
Practical Implications
This section is a validity check: a D&F can be substantively correct but still defective if signed by the wrong person.
Contracting staff should verify the specific FAR part governing the D&F type, because signatory authority is not uniform across all determinations.
Agency delegations matter as much as the FAR text; local policy may narrow or specify who can sign.
A common pitfall is assuming a higher-level manager can sign any D&F, when the applicable FAR part may assign authority elsewhere or limit delegation.
If signature authority is unclear, resolve it before proceeding with the contract action to avoid delays, protests, or the need to redo the determination.
Official Regulatory Text
When a D&F is required, it shall be signed by the appropriate official in accordance with agency regulations. Authority to sign or delegate signature authority for the various D&F’s is as shown in the applicable FAR part.