FAR 36.600—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 36.600 is the scope statement for Subpart 36.6, and it tells readers what this subpart governs: the policies and procedures for acquiring architect-engineer (A-E) services. It also makes clear that the subpart applies not only to stand-alone A-E procurements, but also to orders for A-E services placed under multi-agency contracts, with a cross-reference to FAR 16.505(a)(9). In practice, this means the special A-E selection and ordering rules in Subpart 36.6 must be followed whenever the government is buying professional design-related services covered by the subpart, regardless of whether the acquisition is conducted directly or through an ordering vehicle. The section exists to define the reach of the A-E rules so agencies do not mistakenly apply general service acquisition procedures where the FAR requires the specialized Brooks Act-style process for A-E services. For contracting officers, it is a threshold provision that determines which acquisition procedures apply; for contractors, it signals that A-E opportunities and task orders may be competed and awarded under a distinct framework.
Key Rules
Covers A-E acquisitions
This subpart applies to the acquisition of architect-engineer services. It establishes that the policies and procedures in Subpart 36.6 govern these specialized professional services.
Includes multi-agency orders
The scope expressly includes orders for architect-engineer services placed under multi-agency contracts. Agencies cannot avoid the A-E rules simply because the work is ordered through an existing contract vehicle.
Cross-reference to ordering rules
The section points to FAR 16.505(a)(9), which addresses ordering of A-E services under multiple-award or multi-agency contract structures. That cross-reference helps ensure the ordering process aligns with the A-E-specific requirements.
Defines when special procedures apply
By stating the scope up front, the provision identifies when the specialized A-E acquisition procedures must be used instead of general procurement methods. This is important because A-E services are treated differently from many other service acquisitions.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the requirement is for architect-engineer services and apply Subpart 36.6 procedures when it is. When placing orders under multi-agency contracts, ensure the ordering action complies with the A-E rules and the referenced ordering guidance.
Agency
Use the correct acquisition framework for A-E services and ensure internal procedures and ordering practices align with Subpart 36.6. Agencies must not treat A-E work as an ordinary services buy when the FAR requires the specialized process.
Contractor
Recognize that A-E opportunities and task orders may be competed under the special procedures applicable to architect-engineer services. Contractors should structure proposals and qualifications submissions to fit the A-E acquisition method used by the agency.
Practical Implications
This section is a gatekeeper: before choosing an acquisition strategy, the contracting officer must decide whether the requirement is A-E work covered by Subpart 36.6.
A common pitfall is assuming that an order under a multi-agency contract can be handled like any other task order; for A-E services, the special rules still matter.
Contracting teams should verify the service description early, because misclassifying A-E work can lead to using the wrong competition and selection procedures.
Contractors pursuing A-E work should expect qualification-based evaluation and ordering practices that differ from typical price-driven service buys.
The cross-reference to FAR 16.505(a)(9) means practitioners should read this section together with the ordering rules to avoid gaps between the contract vehicle and the A-E-specific requirements.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart prescribes policies and procedures applicable to the acquisition of architect-engineer services, including orders for architect-engineer services under multi-agency contracts (see 16.505 (a)(9)).