FAR 4.1700—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 4.1700 explains the scope and purpose of Subpart 4.17, which is the FAR implementation of section 743(a) of Division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010. This section identifies the legal authority behind the subpart, states that the rule requires agencies to report annually to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on activities performed by service contractors, and clarifies which agencies are covered. Specifically, it applies to executive agencies other than the Department of Defense (DoD) that are subject to the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act (FAIR Act). It also makes clear that the information reported in the inventory will be publicly accessible. In practice, this means agencies must track and report service contractor activity in a way that supports government-wide oversight, transparency, and public visibility, and contractors may be asked to provide information that helps agencies meet these reporting obligations.
Key Rules
Implements Section 743(a)
This subpart exists to carry out section 743(a) of Division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010. The FAR provision is not a standalone policy choice; it is the regulatory mechanism for a statutory reporting requirement.
Annual OMB Reporting
Covered agencies must report annually to OMB on activities performed by service contractors. The focus is on contractor-performed services, not merely contract awards or spending totals.
Applies to Covered Executive Agencies
The requirement applies to executive agencies other than DoD that are covered by the FAIR Act. DoD is excluded from this specific reporting requirement under this section.
FAIR Act Connection
Coverage is tied to agencies already subject to the FAIR Act, which is the statute governing inventories of activities that may be performed by federal employees or contractors. This links the reporting requirement to broader workforce and sourcing oversight.
Public Accessibility
The information reported in the inventory will be publicly accessible. Agencies must therefore treat the reporting process as a transparency exercise, with attention to accuracy, consistency, and potential public scrutiny.
Responsibilities
Executive Agencies (other than DoD) covered by the FAIR Act
Collect, maintain, and submit annual information to OMB on activities performed by service contractors, and ensure the reported inventory is accurate and suitable for public release.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Receive the annual agency reports and use the information for oversight and government-wide visibility into service contractor activities.
Contracting Officers and Agency Acquisition Staff
Support the agency’s reporting effort by identifying relevant service contracts and ensuring contract records and performance information are available for annual reporting.
Service Contractors
Provide contract performance information or other data the agency needs to complete the annual inventory reporting, as required by the contract or agency request.
Practical Implications
Agencies need reliable internal tracking of service contractor work throughout the year; waiting until the reporting deadline increases the risk of incomplete or inconsistent data.
Because the inventory is publicly accessible, agencies should expect external review and should verify that descriptions of contractor activities are clear, accurate, and not misleading.
Contracting offices may need to coordinate with program offices, budget staff, and workforce/inventory personnel to identify which contracts involve service activities covered by the report.
A common pitfall is confusing this reporting requirement with general procurement reporting; the focus here is on activities performed by service contractors, not just contract obligations or dollars obligated.
Contractors should be prepared for requests for performance descriptions, labor mix, or other information that helps the agency document the services being performed.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart implements section 743(a) of Division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), which requires agencies to report annually to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on activities performed by service contractors. Section 743(a) applies to executive agencies, other than the Department of Defense (DoD), covered by the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act (Pub. L. 105-270) (FAIR Act). The information reported in the inventory will be publicly accessible.