FAR 11.600—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 11.600 is a short scope provision that tells readers what this subpart is about: it implements the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), which is a Department of Commerce program used to support approved national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs. The section does not itself create the DPAS rules; instead, it points contractors and contracting officers to the underlying Commerce regulation at 15 CFR part 700. In practice, this means the FAR subpart is the government contracting bridge to a separate priority-rating system that can require contractors to accept and prioritize certain orders over others. The practical significance is that DPAS can affect contract scheduling, production sequencing, and delivery commitments when a rated order is placed. This scope statement alerts users that the subpart is limited to DPAS-related matters and that the detailed operational requirements come from the Commerce regulations rather than from this FAR text alone.
Key Rules
Subpart implements DPAS
This subpart exists to implement the Defense Priorities and Allocations System. It is the FAR’s way of incorporating a Commerce Department priority system into federal procurement practice.
Applies to approved programs
DPAS supports approved national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs. The scope is limited to those authorized program areas, not all federal acquisitions.
Cross-reference to Commerce rules
The operative DPAS requirements are found in 15 CFR part 700. Users must consult that regulation for the detailed rules on rated orders, acceptance, scheduling, and related procedures.
Does not stand alone
This section is only a scope statement, not a complete set of operating instructions. It signals that the FAR subpart must be read together with the Department of Commerce regulation.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Recognize when a procurement may be subject to DPAS and ensure the solicitation or contract is handled consistently with the applicable priority-rating requirements in 15 CFR part 700.
Contractor
Understand that certain orders may carry DPAS priority ratings and may require accelerated acceptance, scheduling, and performance in accordance with the Commerce regulation.
Agency
Use DPAS only for authorized national defense, emergency preparedness, or energy purposes and coordinate procurement actions with the applicable priority system requirements.
Department of Commerce
Maintain and administer the DPAS rules in 15 CFR part 700, which provide the substantive procedures and obligations referenced by this FAR subpart.
Practical Implications
This section is a warning flag: if a procurement involves a rated order, the contractor cannot rely on the FAR text alone and must check 15 CFR part 700.
A common pitfall is assuming every federal contract is subject to DPAS; it applies only when the government properly invokes the priority system for authorized programs.
Contractors should watch for priority ratings in solicitations, orders, and contract clauses because those ratings can change scheduling and delivery obligations.
Contracting officers should avoid treating this scope section as authority to create DPAS requirements on their own; the authority and procedures come from the Commerce regulation.
Because DPAS can affect production priorities, contractors should assess supply chain impacts early to avoid noncompliance or delivery delays.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart implements the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), a Department of Commerce regulation in support of approved national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs (see 15 CFR part 700 ).