FAR 37.600—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 37.600 is the scope statement for FAR Subpart 37.6, and it tells readers what the subpart is about: policies and procedures for acquiring services using performance-based acquisition methods. In practice, this means the subpart governs how agencies should structure service acquisitions so the government buys results, outcomes, or measurable performance rather than simply paying for effort or staffing levels. Although this section is brief, it is important because it frames the entire subpart and signals that the rules that follow are intended to support performance-based service contracting. For contracting officers, program offices, and acquisition teams, the practical significance is that service requirements should be planned and managed with performance outcomes in mind, not just task completion. This scope also helps distinguish performance-based acquisition from other service-buying approaches and sets the foundation for later requirements in the subpart.
Key Rules
Applies to service acquisitions
This subpart covers the acquisition of services, not supplies or construction. Its policies and procedures are intended for service contracts and related service requirements.
Uses performance-based methods
The subpart is limited to acquisitions that use performance-based acquisition methods. The focus is on defining desired results and measuring contractor performance against those results.
Establishes policy and procedure
The section does not itself prescribe detailed contract clauses or technical methods; instead, it states that the subpart provides the governing policies and procedures for this acquisition approach.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Use the policies and procedures in this subpart when planning and awarding service acquisitions that will be structured as performance-based acquisitions.
Program/Requirements Personnel
Develop service requirements in a way that supports performance-based acquisition, focusing on outcomes, measurable standards, and clear performance expectations.
Agency
Implement acquisition practices for services that align with the performance-based acquisition framework established by this subpart.
Practical Implications
This section tells acquisition teams to think in terms of outcomes, not just labor hours or detailed task direction, when the service requirement is suitable for performance-based acquisition.
A common pitfall is treating any service contract as automatically performance-based; the subpart only applies when the acquisition is actually being structured using performance-based methods.
Contracting officers should use this scope as a checkpoint during acquisition planning to confirm that the requirement, performance measures, and oversight approach fit a performance-based model.
Program offices should be prepared to define measurable performance standards and outcomes early, because the subpart’s framework depends on clear expectations and evaluation criteria.
Because this is a scope provision, it is easy to overlook, but it matters by setting the boundary for when the rest of Subpart 37.6 should be applied.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart prescribes policies and procedures for acquiring services using performance-based acquisition methods.