FAR 19.1502—Applicability.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 19.1502 is a scope-and-coverage provision for the subpart it sits in: it tells readers who must follow the procedures that follow in this section. The rule is simple but important—these procedures apply to all Federal agencies that employ one or more contracting officers. In practice, that means the subpart is not limited to a particular department, civilian agency, or type of procurement office; if an agency has contracting officers, the agency must use the subpart’s procedures when they are relevant. This section does not itself create substantive socioeconomic requirements or evaluation criteria; instead, it establishes the reach of the subpart so agencies know whether they are covered. For contracting personnel, the practical significance is that compliance is mandatory across the executive branch wherever contracting officers operate, and agencies cannot opt out based on internal organization or mission. For contractors, the section matters because it signals that the subpart’s procedures may affect solicitations and awards issued by any covered Federal agency.
Key Rules
Applies to all Federal agencies
The subpart’s procedures are not limited to a specific agency or class of agencies. Any Federal agency that uses contracting officers is within the scope of the rule.
Contracting officer presence triggers coverage
Coverage turns on whether the agency employs one or more contracting officers. If it does, the agency must follow the subpart’s procedures as applicable.
Procedural scope only
This section establishes applicability, not the substantive requirements of the subpart. It tells users who must follow the procedures, but it does not itself prescribe the detailed steps or standards found elsewhere in the subpart.
Responsibilities
Federal Agencies
Determine whether they employ one or more contracting officers and, if so, apply the procedures in the subpart to their contracting actions as required.
Contracting Officers
Use the subpart’s procedures in covered acquisitions and ensure their actions are consistent with the agency’s obligation to follow the applicable FAR requirements.
Agency Acquisition Leadership
Ensure internal policies, training, and procurement oversight reflect that the subpart applies agency-wide wherever contracting officers are used.
Contractors
Recognize that solicitations and awards issued by any covered Federal agency may be governed by this subpart and adjust proposal and compliance practices accordingly.
Practical Implications
This is a broad applicability clause, so agencies should not assume the subpart is optional or limited to certain offices or programs.
Contracting officers should verify that their acquisition procedures and templates reflect the subpart wherever it applies, especially if agency supplements or local practices differ.
A common pitfall is treating applicability as a narrow internal policy issue; the rule is government-wide for agencies with contracting officers.
Contractors should expect the subpart’s procedures to appear across multiple agencies, not just one department or procurement environment.
Because the section is only about coverage, users must read the rest of the subpart to understand the actual operational requirements and avoid incomplete compliance.
Official Regulatory Text
The procedures in this subpart apply to all Federal agencies that employ one or more contracting officers.