FAR 18.000—Scope of part.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 18.000 explains what Part 18 is for and how it fits into the acquisition system. It identifies the acquisition flexibilities available for emergency acquisitions, including both generally available streamlining techniques and special emergency-only flexibilities that may be used only when the prescribed conditions are met. It also makes clear that these flexibilities do not override the ethics and integrity rules in FAR Part 3, including restrictions on improper business practices and personal conflicts of interest. Finally, it recognizes that executive agencies may authorize additional flexibilities in their own FAR supplements. In practice, this section tells contracting personnel that emergency buying authority is about faster procedures, not a waiver of core procurement integrity requirements, and that agencies may layer on more specific internal authorities where permitted.
Key Rules
Part 18 covers emergency flexibilities
This part is limited to acquisition flexibilities for emergency acquisitions. It is intended to streamline the normal acquisition process when urgent circumstances require faster action.
Two categories of flexibilities
Part 18 includes both generally available flexibilities and emergency acquisition flexibilities that may be used only under prescribed circumstances. Users must distinguish between routine streamlining tools and special authorities tied to specific emergency conditions.
Part 3 still applies
The flexibilities in Part 18 do not exempt anyone from FAR Part 3 requirements and limitations. Rules on improper business practices and personal conflicts of interest remain fully applicable even during emergency acquisitions.
Agency supplements may add flexibilities
Executive agencies may authorize additional flexibilities in supplements to the FAR. Any such added authority must come from the agency supplement and be used consistently with higher-level procurement rules.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Use only the flexibilities authorized by Part 18, apply emergency-only procedures only when the prescribed circumstances exist, and continue to comply with FAR Part 3 ethics and integrity requirements.
Agency
Determine whether to authorize additional flexibilities in its FAR supplement and ensure those flexibilities are properly issued, understood, and consistent with applicable law and the FAR.
Contractor
Recognize that emergency acquisition procedures do not eliminate procurement integrity, conflict-of-interest, or improper business practice restrictions, and comply with all applicable rules when competing for or performing emergency work.
Acquisition Workforce / Procurement Officials
Understand the difference between generally available and emergency-only flexibilities, apply the correct authority for the situation, and avoid using emergency status as a reason to bypass mandatory ethics safeguards.
Practical Implications
This section is a roadmap, not a standalone authority: it tells you where emergency flexibilities live and reminds you they are limited by other FAR rules.
A common pitfall is assuming an emergency automatically allows any shortcut; in reality, only the flexibilities specifically authorized for the situation may be used.
Another risk is overlooking FAR Part 3 requirements during urgent buys, which can create integrity problems even when the acquisition itself is otherwise justified.
Contracting officers should check both the FAR and any applicable agency supplement before relying on a flexibility, because agencies may have added their own authorized procedures.
Contractors should expect faster procurement methods in emergencies, but they should not expect relaxed standards on conflicts of interest, improper conduct, or procurement integrity.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) This part identifies acquisition flexibilities that are available for emergency acquisitions. These flexibilities are specific techniques or procedures that may be used to streamline the standard acquisition process. This part includes- (1) Generally available flexibilities; and (2) Emergency acquisition flexibilities that are available only under prescribed circumstances. (b) The acquisition flexibilities in this part are not exempt from the requirements and limitations set forth in FAR part 3 , Improper Business Practices and Personal Conflicts of Interest. (c) Additional flexibilities may be authorized in an executive agency supplement to the FAR.