FAR 42.1102—Applicability.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 42.1102 explains the scope of Subpart 42.11, which addresses contract administration matters related to contractor performance and surveillance for supplies and services. The section states that this subpart applies to all contracts for supplies or services except construction contracts and Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts, so it tells contracting personnel which acquisitions are covered and which are excluded. It also points readers to FAR Part 37, especially Subpart 37.6, because service contract surveillance has its own oversight framework that must be used alongside or instead of the general administration rules in this subpart. In practice, this section matters because it prevents agencies from applying the wrong administration procedures to construction or schedule contracts and helps ensure service contracts are monitored under the correct policy structure. It is a threshold applicability rule: before using the requirements in Subpart 42.11, the contracting office must confirm the contract type and whether a separate surveillance regime applies.
Key Rules
Applies to supplies and services
This subpart covers contracts for supplies or services, meaning it is intended for non-construction procurement actions involving delivery of goods or performance of services. If the contract falls in either of those categories, the subpart may apply unless another exclusion applies.
Excludes construction contracts
Construction contracts are outside the scope of this subpart. Contracting personnel should use the rules and administration practices that apply specifically to construction rather than relying on Subpart 42.11.
Excludes Federal Supply Schedule contracts
Federal Supply Schedule contracts are also excluded from this subpart. Schedule contracts are governed by their own ordering and administration framework, so this subpart should not be used as the primary authority for them.
Service surveillance cross-reference
The section directs users to FAR Part 37, especially Subpart 37.6, for surveillance of service contracts. This means service oversight must be coordinated with the service-contract surveillance requirements in Part 37, not treated as a standalone issue under this subpart.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the contract is for supplies or services and confirm whether it is a construction contract or Federal Supply Schedule contract before applying this subpart. When the contract is for services, coordinate administration and surveillance activities with the requirements in FAR Part 37, especially Subpart 37.6.
Contract Administration Personnel
Use this subpart only for covered supply and service contracts, and avoid applying it to construction or schedule contracts. For service contracts, align monitoring and surveillance actions with the applicable service-surveillance guidance in FAR Part 37.
Agency
Ensure internal contract administration procedures distinguish among supply, service, construction, and Federal Supply Schedule acquisitions so the correct oversight framework is used. Train personnel on the cross-reference to FAR Part 37 for service contract surveillance.
Contractor
Understand that contract administration and surveillance requirements may differ depending on whether the contract is for supplies, services, construction, or under the Federal Supply Schedule. For service contracts, be prepared for oversight consistent with the agency’s surveillance approach under FAR Part 37.
Practical Implications
Before using Subpart 42.11, always confirm the contract type; misclassification can lead to applying the wrong administration procedures.
Service contracts require special attention because surveillance is not governed by this section alone; FAR Part 37, especially Subpart 37.6, may control how performance is monitored.
Construction contracts and Federal Supply Schedule contracts are excluded, so using this subpart for those actions is a common compliance error.
This section is a scope gatekeeper rather than a detailed procedure rule, so its main day-to-day value is helping staff choose the correct FAR framework early.
Contracting offices should build checklist steps into file review and administration planning to ensure the correct subpart is used from the start.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart applies to all contracts for supplies or services other than construction contracts, and Federal Supply Schedule contracts. See part 37 , especially subpart 37.6 , regarding surveillance of contracts for services.