FAR 11.001—Definitions.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 11.001 provides two key product-condition definitions used throughout FAR Part 11, which governs describing agency needs and specifying supplies and services. It defines "reconditioned" as restored to the original normal operating condition through readjustments and material replacement, and "remanufactured" as factory rebuilt to original specifications. These definitions matter because they help contracting officers, offerors, and evaluators distinguish between used, repaired, reconditioned, and remanufactured items when drafting requirements, evaluating offers, and determining whether a product meets the government’s stated need. In practice, the terms affect how agencies write specifications, how contractors label and price products, and how buyers assess whether a proposed item is acceptable. The section is short, but it is important because these words can change performance expectations, quality assumptions, warranty considerations, and the level of equivalency a contractor must demonstrate.
Key Rules
Reconditioned means restored
A reconditioned item is one that has been brought back to its original normal operating condition. The restoration is accomplished through readjustments and replacement of material, so the item is not merely cleaned or cosmetically improved.
Remanufactured means factory rebuilt
A remanufactured item is factory rebuilt to original specifications. This implies a more formal rebuilding process than simple repair or reconditioning and suggests the item should perform like a product built to the original design standard.
Terms apply within Part 11
These definitions are specifically stated to apply "as used in this part," meaning they control interpretation of these terms in FAR Part 11. Users should read them in the context of requirements descriptions and product specification decisions under that part.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Use these definitions when drafting requirements, evaluating product descriptions, and deciding whether a proposed item described as reconditioned or remanufactured satisfies the agency’s need. The contracting officer should ensure solicitation language is clear about the expected condition and performance level.
Contractor
Accurately describe offered products using these terms only when the item truly meets the definition. The contractor should understand that claiming an item is reconditioned or remanufactured carries an expectation of restored or rebuilt condition consistent with the FAR definition.
Agency/Requirement Owner
State the actual need clearly so the solicitation distinguishes among new, used, reconditioned, and remanufactured items when relevant. The agency should avoid ambiguous language that could lead to disputes over product condition or acceptability.
Practical Implications
These definitions help prevent confusion between a repaired item and one that has been restored or rebuilt to a defined standard.
A common pitfall is using "reconditioned" or "remanufactured" loosely in marketing or solicitation language without confirming the item actually meets the FAR meaning.
Contracting officers should be explicit when product condition affects price, quality, warranty, or lifecycle expectations.
Contractors should document the restoration or rebuilding process so they can support the label used in their offer or product description.
Because the section is brief, users must still read it together with the rest of FAR Part 11 and any solicitation-specific requirements to understand how the terms affect competition and acceptance.
Official Regulatory Text
As used in this part- Reconditioned means restored to the original normal operating condition by readjustments and material replacement. Remanufactured means factory rebuilt to original specifications.