FAR 42.200—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
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.
Key Rules
Subpart implements security restrictions
This subpart exists to provide the policies and procedures agencies use to carry out security prohibitions and exclusions. It is not a general purchasing rule; it is a framework for enforcing restrictions on certain products, services, and sources.
Drone procurement is restricted
The subpart implements the American Security Drone Act of 2023, which prohibits the procurement and operation of unmanned aircraft systems. Agencies must therefore avoid buying or operating covered drones when the statute applies.
Reserved provision has no current rule
Paragraph (b)(2) is reserved, which means no active prohibition or exclusion is stated there at this time. Users should not infer a substantive requirement from that placeholder alone.
Other security bans are elsewhere
The section directs readers to subparts 4.20 through 4.23 and 25.7 for additional security prohibitions and exclusions. Compliance analysis must therefore extend beyond this subpart when screening products, services, and sources.
Applies to procurement and use
The scope language covers not only procurement and obtaining, but also use of restricted items or sources. Agencies must consider operational use, not just the initial purchase decision.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officers
Identify whether a contemplated acquisition involves a prohibited or excluded product, service, or source; apply the policies and procedures in this subpart and related FAR provisions; and ensure solicitations, awards, and contract administration do not authorize restricted procurement or operation.
Federal Agencies
Screen acquisition needs and operational activities for security prohibitions and exclusions; avoid procuring, obtaining, or using items barred by the American Security Drone Act or other applicable restrictions; and coordinate compliance across acquisition and program offices.
Contractors
Understand that certain products, services, or sources may be prohibited for Federal use; avoid offering restricted unmanned aircraft systems or other excluded items where prohibited; and ensure representations, supply chains, and performance plans do not conflict with applicable security restrictions.
Program and Technical Personnel
Support acquisition planning by identifying whether proposed equipment or services fall within security prohibitions; verify operational requirements against the applicable exclusions; and flag any use cases that could trigger a statutory or FAR restriction.
Practical Implications
This section is a gateway to compliance screening: before buying or using an item, agencies must check whether a security prohibition applies.
A common pitfall is focusing only on procurement and overlooking operational use; the text expressly covers both obtaining and using restricted items.
Another risk is missing related restrictions in other FAR subparts, especially when the acquisition involves sensitive technology, foreign sources, or security-sensitive products.
For drone-related buys, the American Security Drone Act can bar both purchase and operation, so agencies should not assume a drone is acceptable just because it is commercially available or meets mission needs.
Contractors should expect heightened scrutiny of product origin, component sourcing, and end use when an acquisition touches any security prohibition or exclusion.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) This subpart provides policies and procedures to implement security prohibitions and exclusions that restrict Federal agencies from procuring, obtaining, or using certain products, services, or sources. (b) The following prohibitions and exclusions are implemented in this subpart: (1) The American Security Drone Act of 2023, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Pub. L. 118-31, 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.), which provides a prohibition on the procurement and operation of unmanned aircraft systems. (2) [Reserved] (c) Additional security prohibitions and exclusions are found at subparts 4.20 through 4.23 and 25.7 .