FAR 5.703—Definition.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 5.703 is a definition section for subpart 5.7, and it tells readers exactly what the term “task or delivery order contract” means for purposes of the publicizing requirements in that subpart. It cross-references the definitions in FAR 16.501-1 and then makes clear that the term is broad enough to include Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), multi-agency contracts (MACs), and other indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, whether awarded to one contractor or multiple contractors. It also expressly includes Federal Supply Schedule contracts, including Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) under FAR subpart 8.4. In practice, this definition matters because it determines which ordering vehicles are treated as task or delivery order contracts when applying the notice and synopsis rules in subpart 5.7. Contractors and contracting officers should use this definition to decide whether a particular ordering vehicle falls within the scope of the subpart’s publication requirements and related exceptions.
Key Rules
Uses FAR 16.501-1 definitions
The term “task or delivery order contract” is not independently defined here; it means a delivery order contract or task order contract as defined in FAR 16.501-1. That cross-reference controls the basic meaning of the term.
Includes GWACs and MACs
Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts and multi-agency contracts are specifically included within the term. This confirms that these common ordering vehicles are covered when subpart 5.7 refers to task or delivery order contracts.
Covers all IDIQ contracts
The definition extends to other indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts, regardless of whether they are single-award or multiple-award. The key point is the contract structure, not the number of awardees.
Includes Federal Supply Schedule contracts
Federal Supply Schedule contracts are included, even though they are governed by FAR part 8. This ensures the term reaches schedule-based ordering arrangements when relevant under subpart 5.7.
BPAs under subpart 8.4 are included
Blanket Purchase Agreements established under FAR subpart 8.4 are expressly covered. This prevents confusion about whether BPA-based ordering arrangements fall outside the definition.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Identify whether the acquisition vehicle is a task or delivery order contract under this definition before applying subpart 5.7 requirements. Use the definition to determine whether publicizing, synopsis, or related procedural rules apply to the ordering action.
Agency
Ensure acquisition planning and internal guidance treat GWACs, MACs, IDIQ contracts, Federal Supply Schedule contracts, and BPAs consistently with this definition when implementing subpart 5.7.
Contractor
Understand that these ordering vehicles may be treated as task or delivery order contracts for purposes of subpart 5.7 and related notice requirements. Monitor solicitations and ordering procedures accordingly, especially when competing under IDIQ, schedule, or BPA arrangements.
Practical Implications
This definition is a scope-setting provision: it tells you which contract vehicles are swept into subpart 5.7, so it is essential for deciding whether a notice or synopsis requirement applies.
A common pitfall is assuming that Federal Supply Schedule contracts or BPAs are outside the definition because they are addressed in FAR part 8; this section expressly includes them.
Another frequent mistake is focusing only on single-award or multiple-award status; this definition covers both, so the number of awardees does not remove the vehicle from the term.
Contracting officers should verify the underlying vehicle before publishing or withholding notices, because misclassification can lead to improper publicizing actions.
Contractors should not assume that ordering opportunities under GWACs, MACs, IDIQs, schedules, or BPAs are exempt from subpart 5.7 procedures simply because they are orders rather than stand-alone contracts.
Official Regulatory Text
As used in this subpart- Task or delivery order contract means a "delivery order contract," and a "task order contract," as defined in 16.501-1 . For example, it includes Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), multi-agency contracts (MACs), and other indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts, whether single award or multiple award. It also includes Federal Supply Schedule contracts (including Blanket Purchase Agreements under subpart 8.4 ).