FAR 35.000—Scope of part.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 35.000 is the scope statement for FAR Part 35, and it tells readers what this part does and does not cover. It establishes that Part 35 contains policies and procedures that apply specifically to research and development (R&D) contracting, meaning contracts and acquisitions where the government is buying or supporting R&D work. It also draws two important boundaries: R&D that is integral to the acquisition of major systems is addressed under FAR Part 34, and independent research and development (IR&D) is addressed in the cost principle at FAR 31.205-18. In practice, this section helps contracting officers and contractors identify the correct regulatory framework before planning, pricing, administering, or charging R&D-related work. Its main purpose is to prevent misclassification and to direct users to the right part of the FAR for the type of R&D activity involved.
Key Rules
Part 35 covers R&D contracting
This part prescribes policies and procedures of special application to research and development contracting. If the acquisition is for R&D work, Part 35 is the primary FAR location for the governing policies and procedures.
Major system R&D belongs in Part 34
R&D that is integral to the acquisition of major systems is not governed here; it is covered in FAR Part 34. Users must look to the major systems rules when the R&D is part of a broader major system acquisition.
IR&D is covered elsewhere
Independent research and development is not covered by Part 35. The applicable reference is FAR 31.205-18, which addresses IR&D as a cost principle rather than as an acquisition policy under Part 35.
Scope is limited and directional
This section does not itself create detailed procedures for all R&D-related activities; it identifies the subject matter of Part 35 and points users to the correct FAR parts for related topics. The practical rule is to classify the work correctly before applying the rest of the FAR.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the requirement is true R&D under Part 35, R&D integral to a major system under Part 34, or IR&D under FAR 31.205-18. Apply the correct FAR part before issuing solicitations, negotiating terms, or administering the contract.
Contractor
Identify the nature of the work and ensure proposals, accounting treatment, and cost charging align with the correct FAR framework. Do not assume all R&D-related effort is governed by Part 35; distinguish contract R&D from IR&D and major-system-related R&D.
Agency
Use the proper regulatory framework when planning and managing R&D-related acquisitions. Ensure internal guidance, acquisition planning, and oversight distinguish between standalone R&D, major system R&D, and IR&D.
Practical Implications
This section is a roadmap, not a detailed operating manual: the first practical step in any R&D matter is to determine which FAR part actually applies.
A common pitfall is treating all research-related effort as Part 35 work when some of it may be part of a major system acquisition under Part 34 or an internal cost item under FAR 31.205-18.
Contractors should be careful when proposing or charging research effort, because the regulatory treatment can affect allowability, contract structure, and documentation expectations.
Contracting officers should use this scope section early in acquisition planning to avoid applying the wrong procedures or clauses to the requirement.
When in doubt, the classification of the work matters more than the label used by the program office; the governing FAR part follows the substance of the effort.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) This part prescribes policies and procedures of special application to research and development (R&D) contracting. (b) R&D integral to acquisition of major systems is covered in part 34 . Independent research and development (IR&D) is covered at 31.205-18 .