FAR 34.100—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 34.100 is a scope provision that tells readers what this subpart is about and why it exists. It covers the policies and procedures for the testing, qualification, and use of industrial resources that were manufactured or developed with assistance provided under sections 301, 302, or 303 of the Defense Production Act (DPA). It also explains the broader statutory context: Title III of the DPA authorizes Government assistance to expand production capacity and increase the supply of industrial resources needed for national defense. In practical terms, this means the subpart is aimed at ensuring that items developed with Federal industrial-base assistance are properly evaluated, accepted, and put to use in a way that supports defense readiness and supply assurance. For contracting personnel and contractors, the section signals that these resources are not treated like ordinary commercial items; they may require special testing and qualification before they can be relied on in Government or defense-related use.
Key Rules
Subpart covers testing and qualification
This subpart establishes the policies and procedures for testing and qualifying industrial resources developed or manufactured with DPA Title III assistance. The focus is on determining whether the resource meets the standards needed for intended defense or industrial use.
Subpart covers authorized use
The subpart also addresses how these qualified industrial resources may be used. In practice, this means the Government may have specific procedures or conditions for accepting and employing the resource after qualification.
Applies to Title III-assisted resources
The scope is limited to industrial resources manufactured or developed with assistance under DPA sections 301, 302, or 303. It does not broadly govern all industrial resources, only those tied to this statutory assistance program.
Supports national defense capacity
The underlying purpose is to support expansion of production capacity and supply of industrial resources essential to national defense. The rules in the subpart should be read in light of that defense-readiness objective.
Title III assistance is the legal basis
The section identifies Title III of the Defense Production Act as the authority for Government assistance. That legal basis matters because it explains why these resources receive special policy treatment and why qualification procedures may be required.
Responsibilities
Agency
Use the subpart’s policies and procedures when dealing with industrial resources developed or manufactured with Title III assistance. Ensure the resources are tested, qualified, and used in accordance with the applicable procedures and defense-support objectives.
Contracting Officer
Recognize when a procurement or acceptance decision involves a Title III-assisted industrial resource and apply the subpart’s requirements. Coordinate any needed testing, qualification, or use determinations consistent with the subpart and the underlying DPA authority.
Contractor / Resource Developer
Understand that resources developed or manufactured with Title III assistance may be subject to special testing and qualification before use. Be prepared to support qualification efforts and comply with any conditions tied to the Government assistance.
Defense Production Act Program Officials
Administer the assistance framework that leads to development or manufacture of industrial resources under sections 301, 302, or 303. Support the Government’s objective of expanding capacity and ensuring the resources can be qualified for defense-related use.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a roadmap: it tells you that the detailed rules for Title III-assisted industrial resources are in this subpart, so users should look to the implementing provisions for the actual procedures.
A common pitfall is assuming all industrial resources are covered; the scope is narrower and applies only to resources developed or manufactured with assistance under specific DPA sections.
Contracting personnel should flag these items early because testing and qualification may affect schedule, acceptance, and downstream use.
Contractors should expect additional scrutiny and documentation when a resource is tied to Government industrial-base assistance, especially if it will support defense needs.
The section reinforces that the Government’s interest is not just procurement efficiency but also national defense supply assurance, so decisions may be driven by readiness and capacity considerations as well as price or performance.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart prescribes policies and procedures for the testing, qualification, and use of industrial resources manufactured or developed with assistance provided under section 301, 302, or 303 of the Defense Production Act (50 U.S.C. App.2091-2093). TitleIII of the Defense Production Act authorizes various forms of Government assistance to encourage expansion of production capacity and supply of industrial resources essential to national defense.