FAR 17.200—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 17.200 is the scope statement for FAR Subpart 17.2, which governs the use of option solicitation provisions and contract clauses. In practical terms, it tells contracting officers when the subpart’s policies and procedures apply, and when they generally do not. The section specifically identifies three categories of contracts that are excluded from the subpart’s coverage unless agency regulations say otherwise: construction-related services (including services involving construction, alteration, or repair of real property such as dredging, excavating, and painting), architect-engineer services, and research and development services. At the same time, it makes clear that these exclusions do not prohibit the use of options in those contract types; they only mean the general FAR Subpart 17.2 rules are not automatically controlling. This matters because options can be a useful planning and pricing tool, but their use must be consistent with the applicable FAR framework, any agency-specific rules, and the nature of the acquisition.
Key Rules
Subpart governs option clauses
This subpart prescribes the policies and procedures for using option solicitation provisions and contract clauses. If a contract is within scope, the contracting officer must follow the subpart’s requirements when deciding whether and how to include option language.
General exclusions apply
Unless agency regulations provide otherwise, the subpart does not apply to certain contract types: construction-related services for buildings, bridges, roads, and other real property; architect-engineer services; and research and development services. These are default exclusions from the subpart’s coverage.
Construction-related services defined broadly
The exclusion for construction-related services includes services involving construction, alteration, or repair of real property, and specifically mentions dredging, excavating, and painting. The listed examples show that the exclusion is not limited to new construction alone.
Agency regulations may override default scope
The phrase 'except as provided in agency regulations' means an agency may issue its own rules that bring some otherwise excluded contracts within the subpart’s procedures or otherwise modify how options are handled. Contracting officers must check agency supplements and internal policy.
Options still permitted in excluded contracts
The section does not bar the use of options in construction-related, architect-engineer, or research and development contracts. It only says the general policies and procedures of this subpart do not automatically apply, so options may still be used if otherwise authorized and properly structured.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the acquisition falls within Subpart 17.2 or within one of the stated exclusions. Check applicable agency regulations before deciding on option provisions or clauses, and ensure any option language used is authorized and consistent with the contract type.
Agency
Issue any agency-specific regulations that modify the default scope of the subpart for excluded contract types. Provide policy direction on when options may be used and what procedures apply in agency acquisitions.
Contractor
Review solicitation and contract terms to understand whether option provisions are included and how they will operate. Be aware that options may still appear in excluded contract types even though the general subpart does not apply by default.
Practical Implications
Do not assume Subpart 17.2 applies to every contract; first identify whether the acquisition is for construction-related services, A-E services, or R&D services.
Agency supplements matter. A contract type excluded by FAR may still be subject to agency-specific option rules.
The exclusion is about the subpart’s procedures, not a blanket ban on options. Options can still be used if the acquisition strategy supports them and the clause is otherwise proper.
Construction-related work is described broadly, so services like dredging, excavating, and painting may fall within the exclusion even if they are not traditional building construction.
A common pitfall is using standard option clauses without confirming that the contract type and agency policy permit them or without tailoring the clause to the acquisition.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart prescribes policies and procedures for the use of option solicitation provisions and contract clauses. Except as provided in agency regulations, this subpart does not apply to contracts for (a) services involving the construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging, excavating, and painting) of buildings, bridges, roads, or other kinds of real property; (b) architect-engineer services; and (c) research and development services. However, it does not preclude the use of options in those contracts.