FAR 42.000—Scope of part.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 42.000 is the scope statement for FAR Part 42, and it tells readers what this part is about: the policies and procedures for assigning and performing contract administration services and contract audit services. In practice, this means Part 42 governs how the Government decides which office or organization will handle post-award administration tasks, and how audit support is provided for contract oversight. It is the gateway to the broader rules in Part 42 on administration responsibilities, surveillance, audits, and related support functions. The section is short, but it is important because it defines the operational reach of the part and signals that the rules that follow are intended to support effective contract management after award. For contracting officers, contractors, and audit personnel, this section matters because it frames who is responsible for monitoring performance, managing contract changes and administration actions, and obtaining audit services when needed.
Key Rules
Part 42 covers administration
This part establishes policies and procedures for assigning and carrying out contract administration services. Those services include the post-award management functions needed to keep a contract properly administered.
Part 42 covers audit services
This part also establishes policies and procedures for contract audit services. Audit support is part of the contract oversight framework and is addressed alongside administration responsibilities.
Assignment of responsibilities
The scope makes clear that the part is concerned not just with performing administration and audit work, but also with assigning those functions to the appropriate office or organization.
Post-award focus
The section is limited to contract administration and audit services, which are post-award activities. It does not itself set the substantive rules for award decisions, but instead addresses how contracts are managed after award.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officers
Use Part 42 as the governing framework for assigning and managing contract administration and for obtaining audit support when needed. Ensure the appropriate office performs the required administration functions.
Contract Administration Offices
Perform the contract administration services assigned under Part 42 and carry out the post-award management tasks delegated to them.
Audit Organizations
Provide contract audit services in accordance with the policies and procedures covered by Part 42.
Agencies
Establish and follow internal procedures for assigning administration and audit responsibilities consistent with Part 42.
Contractors
Understand that this part governs how the Government administers and audits contracts after award, and be prepared to respond to administration and audit requests from the responsible Government office.
Practical Implications
This section is a roadmap, not a detailed operating manual; users must look to the rest of Part 42 for the specific administration and audit procedures.
A common pitfall is assuming the awarding contracting officer will handle every post-award task personally; Part 42 contemplates assignment of administration functions to the appropriate office.
Contractors should expect that different Government entities may handle different post-award issues, such as administration actions versus audit support.
Because the section includes both administration and audit services, it signals that contract oversight is coordinated and may involve multiple stakeholders.
For contracting personnel, the key day-to-day takeaway is to confirm who has responsibility for each post-award action before acting or responding.
Official Regulatory Text
This part prescribes policies and procedures for assigning and performing contract administration and contract audit services.