FAR 47.303—Standard delivery terms and contract clauses.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 47.303 is the gateway provision for the FAR’s standard delivery terms. It tells contracting officers and contractors where to find the prescribed delivery terms in FAR 47.303-1 through 47.303-16 and reminds users to check FAR 47.300 for whether those terms apply to cost-reimbursement contracts. In practice, this section matters because delivery terms determine when, where, and under what conditions supplies are considered delivered, which affects risk of loss, transportation responsibilities, inspection timing, and whether the Government or contractor bears certain shipping costs and liabilities. It is a reference-and-application section rather than a detailed clause prescription, but it is important because it directs users to the specific standard terms that should be selected and incorporated into contracts when delivery obligations are being defined. For contracting officers, it is a reminder to choose the correct delivery term and clause based on the acquisition method, shipment mode, and contract type. For contractors, it signals that delivery obligations are not generic; they are controlled by the specific standard term included in the contract and by any limitations in FAR 47.300.
Key Rules
Standard terms are listed here
This section identifies that the standard delivery terms are found in FAR 47.303-1 through 47.303-16. Users must go to those subsections to determine the exact term that applies to a particular shipment or contract.
Check applicability to cost-reimbursement
The section expressly points users to FAR 47.300 for guidance on whether the standard delivery terms apply to cost-reimbursement contracts. That means the mere existence of a standard term does not automatically make it appropriate for every contract type.
Use the correct delivery term
The purpose of this section is to ensure the contract uses the proper delivery term for the acquisition. The selected term controls the parties’ delivery obligations and should match the intended shipping arrangement and contract requirements.
Delivery terms affect contract performance
Standard delivery terms are not just administrative language; they define practical performance responsibilities such as delivery point, shipment responsibility, and when delivery is complete. These terms can affect schedule compliance, acceptance, and transportation-related risk.
Reference section, not standalone clause text
FAR 47.303 itself does not prescribe the full clause language. Instead, it serves as a roadmap to the standard delivery terms in the listed subsections, which must be reviewed and incorporated as appropriate.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Identify the appropriate standard delivery term from FAR 47.303-1 through 47.303-16, verify whether the term is suitable for the contract type by consulting FAR 47.300, and include the correct delivery language in the solicitation and contract.
Contractor
Review the delivery term included in the contract, understand the associated delivery obligations and risk allocation, and perform shipment and delivery in accordance with the specified term.
Agency
Ensure acquisition planning and contract administration align with the selected delivery term, including any transportation, receiving, and acceptance processes affected by the term.
Contract Specialist/Acquisition Team
Support selection of the proper delivery term, confirm consistency with the statement of work, shipping requirements, and contract type, and help avoid mismatches between delivery language and performance expectations.
Practical Implications
The main day-to-day impact is that delivery terms control how goods move and when the Government considers delivery complete, so they directly affect shipping instructions, liability, and schedule performance.
A common pitfall is assuming all standard delivery terms apply automatically; FAR 47.300 must be checked first, especially for cost-reimbursement contracts.
Another frequent issue is using a delivery term that does not match the actual logistics arrangement, which can create disputes over transportation costs, delivery point, or responsibility for loss or damage in transit.
Contracting officers should make sure the selected term is consistent with the solicitation, contract clause set, and any special shipping or inspection requirements.
Contractors should confirm the term before pricing and performance, because delivery obligations can affect freight costs, packaging, insurance, and the timing of acceptance and payment.
Official Regulatory Text
Standard delivery terms are listed in 47.303-1 through 47.303-16 (but see 47.300 regarding applicability to cost reimbursement contracts).