FAR 46.311—Higher-level contract quality requirement.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 46.311 tells contracting officers when and how to use the clause at 52.246-11, Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement. This section covers two main topics: first, the requirement to include the clause in solicitations and contracts when a higher-level contract quality requirement is needed, and second, the need to identify each applicable higher-level quality standard by title, number, date, and any tailoring. In practice, this means the government must clearly tell offerors and contractors which external or internal quality standard applies to the contract so there is no ambiguity about the required level of quality assurance. The section exists to make quality expectations explicit, support consistent evaluation and performance, and reduce disputes over what standard governs the work. It is especially important where the contract relies on a recognized quality system standard rather than only the basic inspection and acceptance terms in the contract. Proper use of this clause helps ensure the contractor understands the exact quality benchmark it must meet and the government can enforce that benchmark during performance and acceptance.
Key Rules
Insert the required clause
When a higher-level contract quality requirement is necessary, the contracting officer must include clause 52.246-11 in the solicitation and contract. This is not optional once the need for a higher-level quality standard has been determined under FAR 46.202-4.
Identify each standard precisely
For every higher-level quality standard used, the contracting officer must complete the clause by entering the standard’s title, number, and date. This ensures the contract points to a specific, identifiable quality requirement rather than a vague reference.
State any tailoring
If the higher-level quality standard is tailored, the contracting officer must identify the tailoring in the clause. Tailoring must be clear enough that the contractor knows exactly what parts of the standard apply and what parts do not.
Use only when necessary
The clause is used only when a higher-level contract quality requirement is needed. The decision to require a higher-level standard should be made before solicitation and should be tied to the needs of the acquisition.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether a higher-level contract quality requirement is necessary, insert clause 52.246-11 in the solicitation and contract when required, and complete the clause by listing the title, number, date, and any tailoring for each applicable quality standard.
Agency
Support the contracting officer in identifying the appropriate higher-level quality standard and ensure the acquisition file and solicitation reflect the intended quality requirement.
Contractor
Review the identified higher-level quality standard and any tailoring in the contract, and comply with the specified quality requirement during performance.
Practical Implications
This section matters because it makes the quality standard contractually enforceable; if the standard is not identified correctly, the government may have trouble holding the contractor to it.
A common pitfall is citing a quality standard without the correct title, number, date, or tailoring, which can create ambiguity about what version applies.
Another risk is failing to determine early enough whether a higher-level quality requirement is needed, which can lead to solicitation errors or contract modifications later.
Contractors should verify that the standard listed in the clause matches the one they priced and planned to meet, especially if tailoring narrows or expands the requirement.
Contracting officers should make sure the clause language is specific and consistent with the acquisition strategy, technical requirements, and any referenced quality system documents.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.246-11 , Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement, in solicitations and contracts when the inclusion of a higher-level contract quality requirement is necessary (see 46.202-4 ). (b) For each higher-level quality standard, the contracting officer shall fill in the title, number, date, and tailoring (if any).