FAR 34.101—Definitions.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 34.101 provides a single, targeted definition for the term “item of supply” as used in Subpart 34.1, which governs major system acquisition. It explains that an item of supply includes any individual part, component, subassembly, assembly, or subsystem that is integral to a major system, as well as other property that may be replaced during the system’s service life. The definition also makes clear that spare parts and replenishment parts are included, while packaging and labeling used only for shipment or identification are not. In practice, this definition matters because it determines what kinds of items are treated as part of the system for acquisition planning, logistics, sustainment, configuration management, and support planning. Contractors and contracting officers use this definition to decide what should be tracked, procured, replaced, or supported as part of a major system over its lifecycle.
Key Rules
Includes system-integral parts
An item of supply covers any individual part, component, subassembly, assembly, or subsystem that is integral to a major system. The key test is whether the item is part of the system itself, not merely associated with it.
Covers replaceable property
The definition also includes other property that may be replaced during the service life of the system. This broadens the term beyond traditional parts to capture replaceable items needed to keep the system operational.
Spare and replenishment parts count
Spare parts and replenishment parts are expressly included. This means sustainment and inventory items intended to replace worn, damaged, or consumed items are treated as items of supply for purposes of this subpart.
Packaging is excluded
Packaging associated with shipment is not an item of supply. Materials used only to protect, ship, or handle the item are outside the definition unless they themselves are part of the system or otherwise separately required.
Labeling is excluded
Labeling used for shipment or identification of an item is also excluded. The definition focuses on the actual supply item, not the external markings or packaging used to move or identify it.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Apply this definition when planning, structuring, and administering major system acquisitions under Subpart 34.1. Ensure solicitations, contracts, and support arrangements distinguish between system items, replacement items, and excluded packaging or labeling.
Program Manager / System Owner
Identify which parts, subsystems, and replaceable items are integral to the major system and should be managed as items of supply. Use the definition to support lifecycle planning, sustainment, and configuration control.
Contractor
Classify deliverables and support items consistently with the definition when proposing, pricing, and performing. Distinguish actual supply items from packaging or shipment labels so requirements and deliverables are not overstated or mischaracterized.
Logistics / Sustainment Personnel
Use the definition to determine what must be stocked, replenished, repaired, or replaced during the system’s service life. Ensure spare and replenishment parts are tracked as supply items, not as incidental packaging materials.
Practical Implications
This definition affects how major system support is planned and priced, especially for spare parts, replenishment inventories, and lifecycle sustainment requirements.
A common pitfall is treating packaging or shipment labels as if they were deliverable supply items; FAR 34.101 excludes them unless they have an independent requirement.
Another frequent issue is undercounting replaceable subsystems or assemblies that are integral to the system, which can lead to incomplete logistics planning or gaps in support.
Contractors should align proposals, bills of material, and support plans with this definition to avoid disputes over what is included in the acquisition scope.
Contracting officers should use the definition to keep requirements clear and prevent confusion between the actual item being acquired and the materials used to ship or identify it.
Official Regulatory Text
Item of supply , as used in this subpart, means any individual part, component, subassembly, assembly, or subsystem integral to a major system, and other property which may be replaced during the service life of the system. The term includes spare parts and replenishment parts, but does not include packaging or labeling associated with shipment or identification of an "item."