FAR 30.000—Scope of part.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 30.000 is the scope statement for FAR Part 30, which tells readers what this part is about and, just as importantly, what it is not about. It explains that Part 30 provides the policies and procedures for applying the Cost Accounting Standards Board (CASB) rules and regulations in 48 CFR Chapter 99 to negotiated contracts and subcontracts. In practical terms, this means the part governs how the government handles CAS coverage, cost accounting compliance, and related administration for covered negotiated awards. The section also draws two important boundaries: it does not apply to sealed bid contracts, and it does not apply to contracts with small business concerns, subject to the exemptions listed in 48 CFR 9903.201-1(b) and other CAS exemption provisions. For contracting officers and contractors, this scope statement is the first checkpoint for deciding whether CAS requirements are in play at all before spending time on disclosures, compliance reviews, or contract clauses.
Key Rules
Applies to negotiated awards
Part 30 covers policies and procedures for applying CASB rules and regulations to negotiated contracts and subcontracts. If the procurement is not negotiated, this part generally does not govern it.
Implements CASB regulations
The part is the FAR vehicle for applying the Cost Accounting Standards Board rules found in 48 CFR Chapter 99. In practice, it connects the broader CAS framework to federal contracting administration.
No sealed bid coverage
This part does not apply to sealed bid contracts. That means sealed bidding is outside the scope of FAR Part 30, even if other FAR parts may still apply to the procurement.
Small business exclusion
This part does not apply to any contract with a small business concern, subject to the exemptions in 48 CFR 9903.201-1(b) and related CAS exemption rules. Size status is therefore a threshold issue for CAS applicability.
Refer to CAS exemptions
The section points users to 48 CFR 9903.201-1(b) for these and other exemptions. Parties must check the CAS rules themselves to confirm whether an award is exempt even if it is otherwise negotiated.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the acquisition is a negotiated contract or subcontract subject to CAS, and confirm whether any exclusions or exemptions apply before imposing CAS-related requirements. The contracting officer must not treat sealed bid actions or small business awards as covered by this part without checking the governing CAS exemptions.
Contractor
Assess whether the company and the specific award fall within CAS coverage, including whether the award is a negotiated contract or subcontract and whether a small business or other exemption applies. Contractors should verify applicability early because CAS status affects pricing, accounting practices, and compliance obligations.
Subcontractor
Evaluate whether a subcontract is subject to CAS based on the prime contract and the subcontract’s own status, while also checking for any applicable exemptions. Subcontractors must not assume coverage or exemption without reviewing the CAS rules.
Agency
Apply FAR Part 30 only where the procurement is within its scope and ensure acquisition personnel understand the distinction between negotiated and sealed bid contracting. Agencies should also ensure size-status and exemption determinations are made consistently with 48 CFR Chapter 99.
Practical Implications
The first practical question is always whether CAS applies at all; if the action is sealed bid or involves a small business concern, Part 30 generally does not apply.
Misidentifying the procurement method or business size can lead to unnecessary CAS clauses, incorrect compliance expectations, or missed coverage.
Because the section points to 48 CFR Chapter 99 and 9903.201-1(b), users must read Part 30 together with the CAS rules rather than relying on this scope statement alone.
Contracting officers should confirm applicability early in the acquisition process so offerors know whether CAS-related disclosures, consistency requirements, or administration will be required.
Contractors should treat this as a screening provision: if the award is potentially covered, they should evaluate CAS exposure before proposal submission or subcontract negotiation.
Official Regulatory Text
This part describes policies and procedures for applying the Cost Accounting Standards Board (CASB) rules and regulations ( 48 CFR Chapter 99 ) to negotiated contracts and subcontracts. This part does not apply to sealed bid contracts or to any contract with a small business concern (see 48 CFR 9903.201-1(b) for these and other exemptions).