FAR 36.000—Scope of part.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 36.000 is the scope statement for FAR Part 36, and it tells readers what this part is about and when its rules apply. It covers policies and procedures that are specific to contracting for construction and architect-engineer (A-E) services, rather than general acquisition rules that appear elsewhere in the FAR. It also makes clear that Part 36 includes requirements for certain clauses and standard forms, and that those requirements can apply not only to traditional construction contracts but also to contracts for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements. In practice, this section matters because it signals that construction and A-E acquisitions have specialized requirements, documentation, and contract language that contracting officers must follow. For contractors, it is a warning that these procurements may involve unique forms, clauses, and administrative practices beyond ordinary supply or service contracting. For agencies, it establishes that Part 36 is the controlling source for the construction- and A-E-specific policies and procedures that must be integrated into the acquisition process.
Key Rules
Part 36 is specialized
This part applies to contracting for construction and architect-engineer services and contains policies and procedures peculiar to those acquisitions. It is not a general-purpose part for all federal contracting.
Construction-specific clauses and forms
Part 36 includes requirements for using certain clauses and standard forms. Those requirements are part of the construction contracting framework and must be followed when applicable.
Applies to demolition-related work
The clause and form requirements in this part also apply to contracts for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements. Agencies must treat these activities as within the reach of Part 36 when the section so provides.
Use alongside other FAR parts
Because this section only states the scope of Part 36, it does not replace the rest of the FAR. Users must apply Part 36 together with the general acquisition rules and any other parts that govern the specific procurement.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Identify when the acquisition is for construction, architect-engineer services, or related dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements, and apply the Part 36 policies, procedures, clauses, and standard forms that are required.
Agency
Ensure its acquisition personnel use the specialized Part 36 framework for covered procurements and incorporate the required construction- and A-E-specific clauses and forms into agency procedures and solicitations.
Contractor
Recognize that covered procurements may include construction- and A-E-specific requirements, including mandatory clauses and forms, and comply with the solicitation and contract terms that flow from Part 36.
Practical Implications
This section is a gateway: if the work is construction or architect-engineer services, the contracting team should immediately check Part 36 for special rules, forms, and clauses.
A common pitfall is treating demolition, dismantling, or removal work like an ordinary service contract and overlooking Part 36 requirements that may still apply.
Contracting officers should verify early whether the acquisition involves improvements being removed or demolished, because that can change the required contract language and administration approach.
Contractors should expect specialized solicitation provisions and standard forms in these procurements and should not assume the same documentation used for supply or routine service buys will be sufficient.
Because this is only a scope statement, users must still consult the specific Part 36 sections and any cross-referenced FAR parts to determine the exact requirements for a given acquisition.
Official Regulatory Text
This part prescribes policies and procedures peculiar to contracting for construction and architect-engineer services. It includes requirements for using certain clauses and standard forms that apply also to contracts for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements.