FAR 18.109—Priorities and allocations.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 18.109 is a short cross-reference provision that explains the role of the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) in federal contracting. It states that DPAS supports approved national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs, and that it was created to enable rapid industrial mobilization in the event of a national emergency. The section does not itself establish the priority-rating procedures or allocation rules; instead, it points readers to FAR subpart 11.6 for the operational requirements. In practical terms, this section tells contracting personnel and contractors that certain urgent government requirements may be placed ahead of ordinary commercial work when a valid DPAS authority applies. It matters because priority ratings can affect production schedules, delivery commitments, subcontracting, and supplier obligations, especially for contractors in defense, emergency response, and energy supply chains. The section is therefore a gateway to understanding when and why the Government may direct performance priority under a national defense or emergency preparedness framework.
Key Rules
DPAS supports key programs
DPAS is used to support approved national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs. This means the system is tied to specific government-authorized needs rather than general procurement preferences.
Purpose is rapid mobilization
The system exists to facilitate rapid industrial mobilization in a national emergency. In practice, that means it is designed to speed production and delivery of critical items and services when time is essential.
Cross-reference to subpart 11.6
This section does not contain the detailed rules for priority ratings or allocations. Users must look to FAR subpart 11.6 for the procedures, limitations, and implementation requirements.
Priority and allocation authority
The section signals that some contracts or orders may receive priority treatment or be subject to allocation controls under DPAS. Contractors should understand that such authority can affect how they sequence work and fulfill competing demands.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Recognize when a procurement may involve DPAS authority and ensure the correct FAR and agency procedures are followed. The contracting officer must rely on the detailed rules in FAR subpart 11.6 when assigning priority ratings or using allocation authority.
Contractor
Understand that a rated order or allocation action may require accelerated performance and may override ordinary scheduling decisions. The contractor must review the applicable DPAS requirements in subpart 11.6 and manage suppliers and internal production accordingly.
Agency
Use DPAS only for approved national defense, emergency preparedness, or energy programs and apply it consistently with the governing regulations. The agency must ensure its personnel know that this section is only an introductory reference and not the full rule set.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a signpost: it alerts users that DPAS may apply, but the real operating rules are elsewhere in FAR subpart 11.6.
Contractors should watch for priority-rated orders because they can change delivery sequencing, supplier commitments, and subcontracting decisions.
A common pitfall is assuming this section authorizes priority treatment by itself; it does not, and users must confirm the underlying DPAS authority and procedures.
Contracting officers should avoid using or referencing DPAS casually without checking the specific program basis and the detailed regulatory requirements.
For suppliers and subcontractors, the practical effect can be significant because a rated order may require them to adjust normal commercial priorities to meet government needs.
Official Regulatory Text
The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) supports approved national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs and was established to facilitate rapid industrial mobilization in case of a national emergency. (See subpart 11.6 .)