FAR 26.601—Purpose.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 26.601 is a short purpose statement for Subpart 26.6, and it tells readers why the subpart exists: to implement Executive Order 13513, Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging while Driving. In practical terms, this means the FAR subpart is part of the government’s broader effort to promote safe driving behavior and reduce distracted driving associated with texting. The section itself does not create detailed contract clauses, procedures, or enforcement steps; instead, it establishes the legal and policy basis for the requirements that appear elsewhere in the subpart. For contractors and contracting officers, the significance is that any obligations in the related FAR provisions should be understood as flowing from this executive-branch safety policy. This section therefore serves as the gateway to the subpart’s rules and signals that the government expects compliance measures tied to texting while driving to be addressed in federal contracting relationships where applicable.
Key Rules
Implements Executive Order
This subpart exists to carry out Executive Order 13513, which directs federal leadership in reducing texting while driving. The FAR section is a policy implementation statement, not a standalone operational rule.
Focus on texting while driving
The subject matter of the subpart is specifically texting while driving, a distracted-driving safety issue. The purpose is to support safer conduct in connection with federal activities and contracting.
No detailed requirements here
Section 26.601 does not itself prescribe contractor duties, contract clauses, or procedures. Those requirements, if any, are found in the other sections of Subpart 26.6.
Responsibilities
FAR system / Acquisition policy
Use this subpart to implement the executive order’s policy on reducing texting while driving in the federal procurement context.
Contracting Officers
Recognize that this section is the policy basis for any related solicitation or contract requirements found elsewhere in the subpart, and apply those requirements where they are applicable.
Contractors
Understand that any obligations related to texting while driving will come from the implementing provisions of the subpart, not from this purpose statement alone.
Agencies
Align acquisition practices with the executive order’s safety policy and ensure any related internal guidance or contract language is consistent with the subpart.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a roadmap: it tells you why the subpart exists, but you must read the rest of Subpart 26.6 to find actual requirements.
A common mistake is treating the purpose statement as if it creates enforceable obligations by itself; it does not.
Contracting personnel should use this section to understand the policy context before applying any related solicitation or contract language.
Contractors should look for specific implementing provisions elsewhere in the FAR or in agency supplements before assuming any compliance duty.
Because the topic is safety-related, agencies may view compliance expectations seriously even though this section is brief and introductory.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart implements the requirements of the Executive Order (E.O.) 13513, dated October 1, 2009 (74 FR 51225, October 6, 2009), Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging while Driving.