FAR 26.200—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 26.200 is the scope statement for Subpart 26.2, and it tells readers what this subpart is about: implementing the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, specifically the statutory preference for local organizations, firms, and individuals when the Government contracts for major disaster or emergency assistance activities. In practical terms, this section signals that the normal competition and source-selection process may be affected by a disaster-response policy that favors local participation when the work is tied to a declared major disaster or emergency. It does not itself create the full set of procedures, but it frames the purpose of the subpart and alerts contracting personnel and contractors that special local-preference rules may apply in disaster relief contracting. For agencies, it means acquisition planning must account for Stafford Act requirements; for contractors, it means local status can matter in eligibility and award considerations for covered disaster-response work. The section is important because it connects federal procurement to emergency-response policy and helps ensure disaster assistance supports affected communities.
Key Rules
Implements Stafford Act preference
This subpart exists to carry out the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The core policy is a preference for local organizations, firms, and individuals in covered disaster and emergency assistance contracting.
Applies to disaster assistance activities
The scope is limited to contracting for major disaster or emergency assistance activities. It does not describe all federal contracting; it is tied specifically to disaster-response work covered by the Stafford Act.
Local preference is the focus
The section identifies local organizations, firms, and individuals as the preferred sources when the statute applies. In practice, this means local participation may be given priority in the acquisition process for covered work.
Scope statement only
This provision is a scope clause, not the detailed operating rule set. It tells users what the subpart covers and why it exists, while the specific procedures and limitations appear elsewhere in the subpart and related authorities.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Recognize when a procurement is for major disaster or emergency assistance activities and apply the Stafford Act local-preference framework as required by the subpart and related rules.
Agency
Plan and conduct disaster-response acquisitions in a way that reflects the statutory preference for local organizations, firms, and individuals when the law applies.
Contractor
Understand that disaster-response opportunities may be subject to local-preference considerations and be prepared to show local status or compete under those rules when seeking covered work.
Local organizations, firms, and individuals
Position themselves to benefit from the statutory preference in covered disaster or emergency assistance contracting, including documenting their local connection when required by the acquisition process.
Practical Implications
This section matters most when an agency is buying goods or services for disaster response, because local preference can affect who is considered or selected.
A common pitfall is treating all emergency work the same; the preference applies only when the procurement falls within the Stafford Act-covered major disaster or emergency assistance context.
Contracting officers should verify the authority and scope before relying on local-preference rules, since the section itself only states the subpart’s purpose.
Contractors should not assume every emergency-related solicitation gives a local preference; they need to check whether the work is actually within this subpart’s coverage.
For agencies, the practical challenge is balancing speed in disaster response with compliance, documentation, and fair application of the local-preference policy.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart implements the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42U.S .C.5150), which provides a preference for local organizations, firms, and individuals when contracting for major disaster or emergency assistance activities.