FAR 11.601—Definitions.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 11.601 provides the core definitions used in the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) subpart. It defines four key terms: approved program, delegate agency, national defense, and rated order. These definitions matter because they determine when the government may place priority ratings on contracts and orders, which can require contractors and subcontractors to give certain defense- and emergency-related requirements precedence over unrated commercial work. The section ties procurement practice to broader statutory authorities, including the Defense Production Act, the Stafford Act, the Selective Service Act, and related Executive Orders, so users can understand the legal basis for priority-rated procurement. In practice, these definitions control whether a requirement qualifies for priority treatment, which agencies may issue ratings, and what kinds of programs count as supporting national defense, including military, energy, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure activities.
Key Rules
Approved program definition
An approved program is one that the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Energy, or Secretary of Homeland Security has determined is necessary or appropriate for priorities and allocations support to promote national defense. The definition is tied to specific statutory and executive authorities, so priority support is not automatic; it must be grounded in an authorized program.
Delegate agency authority
A delegate agency is a Government agency that has been authorized by the Department of Commerce to place priority ratings on contracts or orders supporting approved programs. This means only properly delegated agencies may assign DPAS ratings, and their authority comes from Commerce rather than from general procurement power.
National defense is broad
National defense includes military and energy production or construction, military assistance to foreign nations, stockpiling, space, and directly related activities. It also includes emergency preparedness under the Stafford Act and critical infrastructure protection and restoration, making the term broader than combat or weapons procurement alone.
Rated order definition
A rated order is a prime contract, subcontract, or purchase order that supports an approved program and is issued under the DPAS regulation at 15 CFR part 700. The definition matters because rated orders carry priority obligations that can affect scheduling, acceptance, and performance throughout the supply chain.
DPAS compliance link
The definitions in this section work together to identify when DPAS rules apply. If a requirement is not part of an approved program, not issued by an authorized delegate agency, or not properly rated under DPAS, the special priority obligations do not apply.
Responsibilities
Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Energy, and Secretary of Homeland Security
Determine which programs are approved for priorities and allocations support to promote national defense under the applicable statutory and executive authorities.
Department of Commerce
Authorize delegate agencies to place priority ratings on contracts or orders needed to support approved programs and oversee the delegation framework for DPAS ratings.
Delegate Agencies
Place priority ratings only on contracts or orders within the scope of their Commerce delegation and only for support of approved programs.
Contracting Officers
Identify when a requirement is subject to DPAS, ensure the correct priority rating is used, and avoid assigning ratings unless the agency has authority to do so.
Contractors and Subcontractors
Recognize rated orders, flow priority requirements through the supply chain as required, and give rated orders the precedence and performance treatment required by DPAS.
Practical Implications
These definitions determine whether a contract or order can be treated as a priority-rated requirement, so getting the classification right is essential before issuing or accepting the order.
A common pitfall is assuming any defense-related or emergency-related purchase is automatically a rated order; the requirement must fit an approved program and be properly rated under DPAS.
Contractors should verify the source and validity of a priority rating, because an improperly issued rating may create confusion about scheduling and performance obligations.
Because national defense is defined broadly, agencies may encounter priority-rated requirements in areas beyond traditional military procurement, including energy, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure restoration.
Subcontractors can be affected even when they are not the prime contractor, so supply-chain communication and flowdown of rated-order requirements are critical.
Official Regulatory Text
As used in this subpart- Approved program means a program determined as necessary or appropriate for priorities and allocations support to promote the national defense by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Energy, or the Secretary of Homeland Security, under the authority of the Defense Production Act, the Stafford Act, and Executive Order 12919, or the Selective Service Act and related statutes and Executive Order 12742. Delegate Agency means a Government agency authorized by delegation from the Department of Commerce to place priority ratings on contracts or orders needed to support approved programs. National defense means programs for military and energy production or construction, military assistance to any foreign nation, stockpiling, space, and any directly related activity. Such term includes emergency preparedness activities conducted pursuant to title VI of The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5195 et seq .) and critical infrastructure protection and restoration. (50 U.S.C. App. § 2152). Rated order means a prime contract, a subcontract, or a purchase order in support of an approved program issued in accordance with the provisions of the DPAS regulation ( 15 CFR part 700 ).