FAR 38.000—Scope of part.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 38.000 explains the scope of FAR Part 38 and tells readers exactly what this part covers: policies and procedures for contracting for supplies and services under the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program. It identifies the General Services Administration (GSA) as the agency that directs and manages the FSS program and points readers to FAR subpart 8.4 for additional information. It also explains that GSA may delegate certain schedule responsibilities to other agencies, using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an example, because VA operates the VA Federal Supply Schedules Program for medical supplies under delegated authority. Finally, it draws a clear boundary by stating that the Department of Defense’s similar schedule contracting systems for military items are not part of the Federal Supply Schedule program. In practice, this section matters because it tells contracting officers and contractors which schedule system applies, which agency’s rules and authority control, and where to look for the governing procedures before placing or performing schedule orders.
Key Rules
Part 38 covers FSS contracting
This part applies to contracting for supplies and services under the Federal Supply Schedule program. It is the governing part for schedule contracting policy and procedure, not a general rule for all federal acquisitions.
GSA directs the program
The Federal Supply Schedule program is directed and managed by GSA. Users must treat GSA as the primary authority for the program and consult subpart 8.4 for the detailed schedule framework.
Delegated schedule authority allowed
GSA may delegate certain schedule responsibilities to other agencies. When authority is delegated, the delegated agency may operate within that assigned scope, but only for the functions GSA has actually transferred.
VA schedule program is included
The VA Federal Supply Schedules Program is covered by this subpart because it operates under GSA-delegated authority. For medical supplies acquired under that program, this part applies as stated.
DoD systems are excluded
The Department of Defense’s similar schedule contracting systems for military items are not part of the Federal Supply Schedule program. Users should not assume DoD schedule vehicles are governed by this part simply because they resemble FSS contracts.
Responsibilities
General Services Administration (GSA)
Direct and manage the Federal Supply Schedule program, establish the overall schedule contracting framework, and delegate responsibilities to other agencies when appropriate.
Delegated Agencies (e.g., Department of Veterans Affairs)
Carry out only the schedule responsibilities delegated by GSA and administer their covered schedule program within the scope of that delegation.
Contracting Officers
Identify whether the acquisition is under the Federal Supply Schedule program, confirm whether GSA or a delegated agency controls the vehicle, and apply the correct part and subpart 8.4 procedures.
Contractors
Determine whether their offering or order is being placed under the GSA Federal Supply Schedule, a delegated agency schedule such as VA’s, or a non-FSS system such as DoD’s, and follow the applicable program rules.
Practical Implications
Before using schedule procedures, confirm which program you are in: GSA FSS, a delegated agency schedule like VA’s, or a separate DoD system.
Do not assume all “schedule” contracts are covered by FAR Part 38; the source of authority matters and can change the applicable rules.
For VA medical supply acquisitions, this subpart applies because VA operates under delegated authority from GSA.
For DoD military-item schedules, look elsewhere for governing authority because those systems are expressly outside the Federal Supply Schedule program.
A common mistake is mixing up similar-looking schedule vehicles and applying the wrong ordering or administration rules; always verify the program and agency authority first.
Official Regulatory Text
This part prescribes policies and procedures for contracting for supplies and services under the Federal Supply Schedule program, which is directed and managed by the General Services Administration (see subpart 8.4 , Federal Supply Schedules, for additional information). GSA may delegate certain responsibilities to other agencies ( e.g., GSA has delegated authority to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to procure medical supplies under the VA Federal Supply Schedules Program). The VA Federal Supply Schedules Program is covered by this subpart. Additionally, the Department of Defense manages a similar system of schedule contracting for military items; however, the Department of Defense systems are not a part of the Federal Supply Schedule program.