FAR 25.302-1—Scope.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 25.302-1 is a scope provision that tells readers what this subpart is about and why it exists. It states that the section prescribes policy for implementing specific statutory requirements in section 862 of the FY 2008 NDAA, as amended by section 853 of the FY 2009 NDAA and sections 831 and 832 of the FY 2011 NDAA, all of which are cross-referenced in the U.S. Code note cited in the rule. In practical terms, this means the subpart is not a general Buy American or trade agreements rule; it is a targeted policy framework tied to those defense authorization acts. The section’s function is to define the legal basis and subject matter for the rest of the subpart, so contracting officers and contractors know the rules that follow are implementing those statutes. Because it is a scope statement, it does not itself impose detailed procedural steps, but it is important for determining when the subpart applies and what policy objectives the later provisions are meant to carry out. Readers should use it as the gateway to the implementing requirements that follow in the subpart.
Key Rules
Statutory implementation basis
This section exists to implement specified NDAA provisions: section 862 of FY 2008, as amended by section 853 of FY 2009 and sections 831 and 832 of FY 2011. The rule’s purpose is to connect the FAR policy to the underlying statutory authority.
Limited scope statement
The provision is a scope clause, not an operational requirement. It identifies the subject matter and legal foundation of the subpart, but it does not by itself prescribe contractor performance steps or contracting officer procedures.
Defense authorization linkage
The cited statutes are part of the defense authorization framework, so the subpart is tied to defense-related procurement policy. Users should read the rest of the subpart in that statutory context rather than as a standalone procurement rule.
Cross-reference to U.S. Code note
The section points to the note under 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G, which is where the statutory authority is organized for reference. This helps users locate the legislative source behind the FAR policy.
Responsibilities
FAR drafters / policymakers
Use this section to identify the statutory authority and policy purpose for the subpart, ensuring the implementing FAR text stays aligned with the cited NDAA provisions.
Contracting officers
Recognize that this subpart is driven by specific NDAA authorities and apply the later provisions of the subpart only in the situations covered by that statutory framework.
Contractors
Understand that the requirements in the rest of the subpart stem from these cited statutes and may affect offer preparation, compliance, or sourcing decisions when the subpart applies.
Agency acquisition personnel
Use the scope statement to determine whether the subpart is relevant to a procurement and to guide application of the implementing policy in solicitations and contracts.
Practical Implications
This section mainly serves as a roadmap: it tells you where the rule comes from and what later provisions are meant to implement.
A common pitfall is treating the scope clause as if it contains the substantive compliance rules; the actual requirements are in the rest of the subpart.
Contracting officers should verify applicability by reading the implementing provisions that follow, especially when a procurement involves defense-related statutory authorities.
Contractors should not assume the section creates a standalone obligation; instead, they should look for the specific clauses, certifications, or restrictions imposed elsewhere in the subpart.
Because the section is tied to multiple NDAA amendments, users should be alert to later changes in the statutory framework when researching current applicability.
Official Regulatory Text
This section prescribes policy for implementing section 862 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 (Pub. L. 110-181), as amended by section 853 of the NDAA for FY 2009 (Pub. L. 110-417), and sections 831 and 832 of the NDAA for FY 2011 (Pub. L. 111-383) (see 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).