FAR 37.115-1—Scope.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 37.115-1 is a short scope provision that explains the legal basis for the policies in this subpart: Section 834 of Public Law 101-510, codified at 10 U.S.C. 4507. In practical terms, it tells readers that the rules in this section are not standalone preferences or agency guidance, but policies grounded in statute. The section itself does not create detailed procedural steps, competition requirements, or contract administration rules; instead, it identifies the source authority that supports the rest of the subpart. For contracting officers and contractors, this matters because it signals that any requirements in the surrounding section should be read as implementing a specific congressional mandate, which can affect how strictly the policies are applied and how much discretion the agency has. It also helps users understand that the section’s purpose is to anchor the subpart in law, not to restate all of the operational details in this single provision.
Key Rules
Statutory basis only
This section states that the policies in the subpart are based on Section 834 of Public Law 101-510, codified at 10 U.S.C. 4507. It is a scope statement, so it identifies authority rather than imposing a separate operational requirement.
Applies to the whole section
The reference to "the policies in this section" means the cited statute supports the full set of policies that follow in the subpart. Users should read this provision as the legal foundation for the surrounding rules, not as an isolated requirement.
No independent procedure here
FAR 37.115-1 does not itself prescribe acquisition steps, approval thresholds, or contract clauses. Those details, if any, appear in the later paragraphs of the subpart and should be applied in light of the statutory authority identified here.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Recognize that the policies in this subpart are grounded in statute and apply the later requirements consistently with that authority. Use the cited legal basis when explaining why the subpart’s policies are mandatory or limited in scope.
Agency
Ensure internal acquisition policies and training align with the statutory authority identified in this section. Treat the subpart as implementing a congressional mandate rather than a purely discretionary agency practice.
Contractor
Understand that any requirements in the surrounding subpart derive from statutory authority and may be enforced accordingly. Review the full subpart, not just this scope statement, to determine actual obligations.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a legal signpost: it tells you where the authority comes from, but not how to execute the acquisition action.
A common mistake is treating the scope provision as if it contains the substantive rule; the real requirements are in the rest of the subpart.
Because the policies are tied to statute, contracting personnel should be cautious about deviating from them without confirming whether the statute allows discretion.
Contractors should not rely on this section alone to assess compliance; they need the full subpart and any related clauses or agency supplements.
When questions arise about why a policy exists or how strictly it must be followed, this section is useful for tracing the rule back to its congressional source.
Official Regulatory Text
The policies in this section are based on Section 834 of Public Law101-510 ( 10 U.S.C. 4507 ).