FAR 37—Service Contracting

Scope of part.

FAR 37.000 explains the scope of FAR Part 37, which sets the government’s policy and procedures for acquiring and managing services by contract. It makes clear that the part applies broadly to all service contracts and orders, regardless of contract type or the specific kind of service being bought, and that agencies must use performance-based acquisitions for services to the maximum extent practicable. It also points readers to the performance-based acquisition rules in subpart 37.6 and identifies related subject-matter parts that control when the service is a research and development service (Part 35), architect-engineering service (Part 36), information technology service (Part 39), or transportation service (Part 47). The section further states that those parts take precedence if there is any inconsistency with Part 37. Finally, it notes that Part 37 includes, but is not limited to, service contracts covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards statute in 41 U.S.C. chapter 67, with implementing guidance in subpart 22.10. In practice, this section tells contracting personnel that service acquisitions are governed by a general services framework, but that they must also check for specialized rules and must structure service requirements around outcomes and performance whenever feasible.

Subpart 37.1

Subpart 37.2

Subpart 37.3

Subpart 37.4

Subpart 37.5

Subpart 37.6