FAR 47.500—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 47.500 is the scope statement for FAR Subpart 47.5, which covers the policy and procedures for giving preference to U.S.-flag vessels when supplies must be transported by ocean vessel. In practical terms, this section tells contracting personnel and contractors when the U.S.-flag preference rules apply, what subject matter the subpart governs, and where to look for the separate rules that apply to the Department of Defense. Its purpose is to support the U.S.-flag shipping preference policy by directing agencies to use U.S.-flag vessels for ocean transport of supplies when required under the FAR framework. Just as importantly, it draws a clear boundary: this FAR subpart does not apply to DoD, because DoD follows DFARS Subpart 247.5 instead. For users of the FAR, this section is a gateway provision that identifies the applicable regime before any transportation planning, solicitation drafting, or shipping decision is made.
Key Rules
U.S.-flag preference policy
This subpart establishes the policy and procedures for preferring U.S.-flag vessels when supplies are transported by ocean vessel. The rule is about maritime transportation of supplies, not general freight or all modes of shipment.
Applies to ocean transport of supplies
The scope is limited to situations where transportation of supplies by ocean vessel is required. If the shipment is not by ocean vessel, this subpart does not govern the transportation preference issue.
DoD is excluded
The FAR subpart expressly states that it does not apply to the Department of Defense. DoD acquisitions must use the separate DFARS rules instead of this FAR subpart.
DFARS controls for DoD
For DoD, the applicable policy and procedures are found in DFARS Subpart 247.5. This means contracting personnel must use the correct regulatory source based on the agency involved.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the acquisition involves transportation of supplies by ocean vessel and whether the FAR U.S.-flag preference rules apply. If the requirement is for DoD, use DFARS Subpart 247.5 instead of this FAR subpart.
Agency Acquisition Staff
Apply the correct regulatory framework when planning, soliciting, and administering ocean transportation of supplies. Ensure the file and solicitation reflect whether FAR Subpart 47.5 or DFARS Subpart 247.5 governs.
Contractor
Understand that ocean shipment of supplies may be subject to U.S.-flag vessel preference requirements. Follow the applicable transportation instructions and comply with the governing FAR or DFARS provisions identified by the contracting agency.
Department of Defense
Use DFARS Subpart 247.5 for policy and procedures governing U.S.-flag vessel preference in ocean transportation of supplies, rather than the FAR subpart.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a scope-and-lookup provision: it tells you whether to use FAR or DFARS before you get into the details of shipping preference rules.
A common mistake is assuming all agencies follow the same ocean transportation rules; DoD is specifically carved out and must follow DFARS Subpart 247.5.
Contracting officers should confirm early whether the requirement involves ocean transport of supplies, because that triggers the U.S.-flag vessel preference framework.
Contract files and solicitations should clearly identify the governing rule set to avoid compliance errors, protest risk, or shipping delays.
Because this section is only the scope statement, users must consult the operative FAR or DFARS provisions for the actual procedures, exceptions, and documentation requirements.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart prescribes policy and procedures for giving preference to U.S.-flag vessels when transportation of supplies by ocean vessel is required. This subpart does not apply to the Department of Defense (DoD). Policy and procedures applicable to DoD appear in DFARS Subpart 247.5.