FAR 42.2—Subpart 42.2

Scope of subpart.

FAR 42.200 is a scope provision that tells readers what this subpart is for and what security-related restrictions it implements. It explains that the subpart supplies policies and procedures for carrying out security prohibitions and exclusions that limit when Federal agencies may procure, obtain, or use certain products, services, or sources. The section specifically identifies the American Security Drone Act of 2023, enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, as one of the prohibitions implemented here, and notes that it imposes a prohibition on the procurement and operation of unmanned aircraft systems. It also points readers to other FAR locations—subparts 4.20 through 4.23 and 25.7—for additional security prohibitions and exclusions. In practice, this section matters because it signals that acquisition planning, source selection, contract administration, and product/service screening must account for national security restrictions, not just price, performance, or schedule. Contractors and contracting officers should treat this as a warning that certain items or sources may be categorically unavailable for Federal use, even if otherwise commercially available or technically acceptable.

Contract administration responsibilities.

FAR 42.201 explains how contract administration responsibilities are assigned and carried out once a contract has been placed under a contract administration office (CAO). It tells the CAO to perform the contract administration functions listed in FAR 42.302(a) to the extent they apply to the contract, except for any functions specifically withheld, and it limits the CAO’s authority to perform the functions in FAR 42.302(b) unless the contracting officer specifically authorizes them. The section also requires the CAO to request supporting contract administration under FAR 42.202(e) and (f) when needed, which ties this provision to interagency or specialized support arrangements. Finally, it notes that the Defense Contract Management Agency and other agencies provide a broad range of contract administration and support services. In practice, this section is about who does the post-award administrative work, what tasks are automatic versus delegated, and how agencies coordinate when additional support is necessary.

Assignment of contract administration.

FAR 42.202 explains how contract administration responsibilities are assigned, transferred, limited, recalled, and supplemented between contracting offices and contract administration offices (CAOs). It covers delegation of administration and specialized support services, what information must accompany a delegation, how contracting officers must notify contractors of withheld or additional functions, when extra functions beyond the standard list in FAR 42.302 may be delegated, and when a delegation may be rescinded or recalled. It also addresses secondary delegations for supporting contract administration, the limits on using those delegations for subcontract oversight, special surveillance for major system acquisitions, and an agency’s ability to decline a request for administration services when resources are insufficient. In practice, this section is about making sure the right office performs the right oversight work, with clear documentation, coordination, and boundaries so contract administration is efficient, legally supportable, and aligned with the Government’s needs. It matters because poor delegation can create gaps in oversight, duplicate effort, delay administration, or improperly shift work that should remain with the requesting agency or the prime contractor.

Contract administration services directory.

FAR 42.203 is a short administrative provision that identifies the Federal Directory of Contract Administration Services Components and explains its purpose. The section tells users that the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) maintains the directory, which lists the names and telephone numbers of DCMA and other agency offices that provide contract administration services in designated geographic areas and at specified contractor plants. It also tells federal agencies where they may access the directory online and provides a DCMA mailing address for additional information. In practice, this section matters because it is the reference point for locating the office responsible for contract administration support, especially when a contract is assigned to a particular geographic area or plant. It does not itself assign contract administration responsibilities or prescribe substantive administration procedures; instead, it directs users to the official directory that supports those decisions and communications.