FAR 26.302—General policy.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 26.302 states the Government’s general policy for this subpart: to promote the participation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) in Federal procurement. In practical terms, this section establishes the policy foundation for agency actions that encourage these institutions to compete for and receive Federal contract opportunities. It does not itself create a detailed set of procedures, set-asides, or evaluation rules; instead, it announces the Government’s commitment and frames the purpose of the related requirements that may appear elsewhere in the FAR, agency supplements, or procurement-specific plans. For contracting officers and program officials, the significance is that procurement planning and outreach should be mindful of HBCU and MI participation when consistent with law and acquisition needs. For contractors and educational institutions, the section signals that these entities are intended to be included in the Federal marketplace and may benefit from agency outreach and opportunity-development efforts.
Key Rules
Promote HBCU participation
The Government’s policy is to encourage and support the participation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Federal procurement. This is a broad policy statement that guides acquisition planning and outreach, rather than a standalone award procedure.
Promote MI participation
The same policy applies to Minority Institutions. Agencies should consider these institutions as part of their efforts to broaden competition and access to Federal contracting opportunities.
Policy, not procedure
This section is a general policy provision. It establishes the Government’s objective but does not prescribe specific contract clauses, evaluation factors, or mandatory set-asides by itself.
Applies across procurement activity
The policy is intended to influence Federal procurement generally, meaning it can inform market research, outreach, acquisition planning, and supplier diversity efforts wherever appropriate and lawful.
Responsibilities
Agency
Support the Government’s policy by encouraging participation of HBCUs and MIs in procurement activities, including outreach and acquisition planning consistent with applicable law and acquisition needs.
Contracting Officer
Consider the policy when planning and conducting procurements, and ensure opportunities are not unnecessarily structured in ways that exclude or overlook HBCUs and MIs.
Program/Acquisition Personnel
Assist in market research, outreach, and requirement development so that HBCUs and MIs are reasonably considered as potential sources when appropriate.
HBCUs and Minority Institutions
Position themselves to participate in Federal procurement opportunities and respond to solicitations or outreach consistent with their capabilities and the Government’s procurement needs.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a policy signal: it matters most during market research, outreach, and acquisition planning rather than at award or administration stages.
Contracting officers should avoid treating this as a mandatory preference or set-aside unless another statute, regulation, or agency program specifically authorizes it.
A common pitfall is assuming the policy alone creates enforceable rights or special evaluation treatment; it does not by itself.
Agencies should document outreach and source-development efforts when HBCU or MI participation is relevant to the acquisition strategy.
Contractors and educational institutions should watch for agency-specific initiatives, notices, or solicitations that operationalize this policy in a particular procurement.
Official Regulatory Text
It is the policy of the Government to promote participation of HBCUs and MIs in Federal procurement.