Governmentwide database of contracts.
FAR 5.601 establishes the Governmentwide database of contracts and other procurement instruments intended for use by multiple agencies, now available through the Contract Directory website. This section explains what the database is, what it is used for, and which awards must be entered into it. In practical terms, it is a visibility and reuse tool: it helps agencies identify existing Governmentwide acquisition contracts (GWACs), multi-agency contracts, Federal Supply Schedule contracts, and other multi-agency procurement instruments that may already satisfy a need before a new procurement is started. The rule also imposes a specific reporting obligation on the contracting activity to enter required information within ten days after award, and it includes a one-time historical reporting requirement for older multi-agency instruments awarded before July 24, 2003. For contracting officers and acquisition offices, this section matters because timely and accurate database entry supports contract visibility, reuse, and compliance with Governmentwide acquisition management requirements.