FAR 4.1002—Applicability.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 4.1002 explains which procurement instruments are covered by the policies in this subpart, and it makes clear that coverage extends not only to the original instrument but also to amendments, modifications, and change orders. The section specifically applies to solicitations; contracts; agreements that include pre-priced supplies or services; and task and delivery orders. It also expressly identifies several contract types within the broader term “contracts,” including Governmentwide acquisition contracts (GWACs), multi-agency contracts (MACs), Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts, indefinite-delivery contracts, and purchase orders. In practice, this means the subpart’s requirements are not limited to traditional stand-alone contracts, but reach across many common acquisition vehicles and ordering actions. The purpose is to ensure consistent application of the subpart’s policies wherever procurement actions are used, so agencies and contractors do not treat certain instruments as outside the rule simply because of their form. For contracting professionals, the key takeaway is to check whether the action is one of the listed instruments or a later change to one of them before deciding whether the subpart applies.
Key Rules
Applies to listed instruments
The subpart’s policies apply to solicitations, contracts, agreements with pre-priced supplies or services, and task and delivery orders. These are the core instrument categories covered by the section.
Coverage includes contract variants
The term "contracts" expressly includes GWACs, MACs, FSS contracts, indefinite-delivery contracts, and purchase orders. This prevents narrow readings that would exclude common acquisition vehicles.
Changes are covered too
The policies also apply to amendments, modifications, and change orders to the covered instruments. Once an instrument is covered, later changes to it remain covered as well.
Pre-priced agreements included
Agreements that include pre-priced supplies or services are specifically brought within the scope of the subpart. The pricing feature is what matters here, even if the instrument is not labeled a contract.
Ordering actions are covered
Task and delivery orders are separately identified as covered instruments. This means the subpart can apply at the order level, not just at the base contract or agreement level.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether a solicitation, contract, agreement, order, amendment, modification, or change order falls within the listed categories and apply the subpart’s policies accordingly. Ensure the correct rules are used for the specific procurement instrument being issued or changed.
Agency
Apply the subpart consistently across the covered procurement instruments used by the agency, including common vehicles such as GWACs, MACs, FSS contracts, and indefinite-delivery contracts. Train personnel so they recognize that the coverage extends to amendments, modifications, and change orders.
Contractor
Recognize that the subpart may apply to a wide range of instruments and later changes, not just to stand-alone contracts. Review solicitations, orders, and modifications for compliance obligations that may flow from this coverage.
Practical Implications
Do not assume a procurement vehicle is outside the rule just because it is a schedule contract, IDIQ, GWAC, MAC, purchase order, or order-level action.
When a solicitation or contract is amended or modified, the same subpart policies continue to apply; the change action is not a loophole to avoid coverage.
The explicit mention of pre-priced agreements means pricing structure can trigger coverage even where the instrument is not a classic bilateral contract.
A common mistake is focusing only on the base contract and overlooking task orders, delivery orders, or change orders that are also covered.
Before taking action, contracting staff should confirm whether the instrument is one of the listed types so the correct procedural requirements are followed from the start.
Official Regulatory Text
The policies of this subpart shall apply to the following procurement instruments, to include amendments, modifications, and change orders thereto: (a) Solicitations. (b) Contracts, including, but not limited to, Governmentwide acquisition contracts (GWACs), multi-agency contracts (MACs), Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts, indefinite-delivery contracts, and purchase orders. (c) Agreements that include pre-priced supplies or services. (d) Task and delivery orders.