FAR 34.000—Scope of part.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 34.000 is the scope statement for FAR Part 34, and it tells readers what this part is meant to cover: acquisition policies and procedures for major systems, and the use of an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) in acquisitions designated as major acquisitions. It ties Part 34 to two external policy sources—OMB Circular No. A-109 for major systems and OMB Circular A-11, part 7 for EVMS—so the FAR’s rules are meant to be read and applied consistently with those government-wide management and budgeting requirements. In practice, this section does not itself impose detailed procedures; instead, it establishes the subject matter and policy framework for the rest of Part 34. For contracting officers, program managers, and acquisition teams, the practical significance is that when a procurement is a major system or a major acquisition, they must look to Part 34 for the acquisition approach and EVMS expectations, and they must ensure those actions align with the referenced OMB guidance. This section also signals that these are specialized acquisitions requiring more disciplined planning, oversight, and performance measurement than routine buys.
Key Rules
Part 34 covers major systems
This part applies to acquisition policies and procedures used in acquiring major systems. It is the FAR home for the special acquisition framework that applies when an agency is buying a system of significant importance, complexity, or cost.
EVMS applies to major acquisitions
This part also addresses the use of an Earned Value Management System in acquisitions designated as major acquisitions. When that designation applies, EVMS is part of the acquisition oversight and performance-control approach.
Must align with OMB A-109
The policies and procedures for major systems must be consistent with OMB Circular No. A-109. That means Part 34 is intended to operate within the broader executive-branch policy for major system acquisition management.
Must align with OMB A-11 part 7
The EVMS-related guidance in this part must be consistent with OMB Circular A-11, part 7. Agencies and contracting personnel must therefore apply EVMS requirements in a way that matches the government-wide major acquisition and performance-management framework.
Scope statement, not a full procedure set
Section 34.000 identifies what Part 34 covers, but it does not itself prescribe the detailed steps for planning, approving, or managing a major system acquisition. Those details appear in the later sections of Part 34 and the referenced OMB guidance.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officers
Recognize when an acquisition falls within Part 34’s scope, apply the part’s major-system and EVMS-related requirements as applicable, and ensure the acquisition approach is consistent with the referenced OMB circulars.
Program Managers / Acquisition Program Teams
Plan and manage major system or major acquisition efforts using the policy framework identified in Part 34, including incorporating EVMS expectations where required and coordinating with contracting staff on compliance.
Agencies
Use Part 34 as the governing FAR framework for major systems and major acquisitions, and ensure internal acquisition policies and oversight practices are consistent with OMB Circular A-109 and OMB Circular A-11, part 7.
Contractors
When participating in covered acquisitions, understand that the government may require EVMS and other major-system acquisition controls, and be prepared to support the reporting, planning, and performance-management obligations that flow from those requirements.
Practical Implications
This section is a trigger for heightened acquisition discipline: if the buy is a major system or major acquisition, the team should immediately check Part 34 and the referenced OMB guidance.
A common pitfall is treating Part 34 as a standalone rulebook; in reality, it is a gateway to broader policy requirements in OMB Circular A-109 and OMB Circular A-11, part 7.
Another risk is failing to identify early whether EVMS will be required, which can lead to weak cost/schedule control expectations, inadequate contract language, or poor contractor readiness.
Contracting officers and program offices should coordinate early on acquisition classification, because the designation drives planning, oversight, and reporting obligations.
For contractors, the practical effect is that major acquisitions may involve more formal performance measurement, documentation, and government oversight than standard procurements.
Official Regulatory Text
This part describes acquisition policies and procedures for use in acquiring major systems consistent with OMB Circular No. A-109; and the use of an Earned Value Management System in acquisitions designated as major acquisitions consistent with OMB Circular A-11, part 7.