FAR 50.200—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 50.200 is a short scope provision that tells readers what Subpart 50.2 is about: implementing the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002, commonly called the SAFETY Act, and its liability protections for anti-terrorism technologies. The section does not create the protections itself; instead, it explains that this subpart exists to carry out the statute within the Federal Acquisition Regulation system. In practical terms, it signals that the subpart is intended to encourage the development, deployment, and use of technologies designed to prevent, detect, identify, or respond to acts of terrorism by reducing certain liability risks. For contracting professionals and contractors, this means the subpart is a gateway to understanding when SAFETY Act protections may be relevant in acquisition planning, solicitation language, contract performance, and risk management. Because the text is limited to scope, it does not prescribe procedures, eligibility criteria, or approval steps, but it frames the policy purpose behind the later provisions in the subpart.
Key Rules
Subpart implements SAFETY Act
This subpart exists to implement the SAFETY Act within the FAR. It is the regulatory bridge between the statute and federal procurement practice.
Liability protections are the focus
The subpart is aimed at SAFETY Act liability protections, not general procurement rules. Its purpose is to address legal risk associated with anti-terrorism technologies.
Applies to anti-terrorism technologies
The subject matter is technologies intended to support anti-terrorism efforts. The scope is limited to technologies that help prevent, detect, identify, or respond to terrorism-related threats.
Promotes development and use
The policy objective is to encourage both the creation and adoption of qualifying technologies. The subpart is designed to support market participation by reducing liability concerns.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officers
Recognize when a procurement may involve anti-terrorism technologies and understand that this subpart provides the FAR framework for SAFETY Act liability protections. Use the subpart as a reference point when planning or administering acquisitions that may implicate these protections.
Contractors
Understand that the FAR subpart exists to support SAFETY Act protections for qualifying anti-terrorism technologies. Consider whether their products or services may fall within this policy area and whether SAFETY Act-related risk reduction could be relevant.
Agencies
Apply this subpart as part of the government’s broader effort to encourage anti-terrorism technology development and use. Ensure acquisition personnel are aware that the subpart implements statutory liability protections in the procurement context.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a roadmap, not an operational rule set; users should look to the rest of Subpart 50.2 for actual procedures and requirements.
Contracting teams should flag acquisitions involving security, counterterrorism, or protective technologies early, because SAFETY Act issues may affect risk allocation and vendor interest.
Contractors should not assume every security-related product qualifies; the scope is limited to anti-terrorism technologies and the statute’s protections.
A common pitfall is treating this section as if it grants protections by itself; it only states the subpart’s purpose and statutory basis.
Because the section is brief, its practical value is in alerting readers to a specialized liability framework that may influence acquisition strategy and contractor participation.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart implements the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002 (SAFETY Act) liability protections to promote development and use of anti-terrorism technologies.