FAR 51.100—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 51.100 is the opening scope provision for FAR subpart 51.1, and it tells readers what the subpart is about and who it reaches. It states that the subpart prescribes the policies and procedures governing contractors’ use of Government supply sources, with a cross-reference to FAR 51.102(c) for the specific supply sources covered. It also establishes an important interpretive rule: throughout this subpart, the words “contractors” and “contracts” are read broadly to include “subcontractors” and “subcontracts.” In practice, this means the rules in the subpart are not limited to prime contractors alone; they can also apply down the contracting chain when a subcontractor is using Government supply sources under the applicable authority. The section is short, but it matters because it defines the reach of the entire subpart and prevents narrow readings that would exclude lower-tier contractors from the policy and procedural framework.
Key Rules
Subpart governs supply-source use
This subpart sets the policies and procedures for contractors’ use of Government supply sources. It is the controlling scope statement for understanding when and how the rest of subpart 51.1 applies.
See covered supply sources
The section points readers to FAR 51.102(c) for the Government supply sources addressed by the subpart. Users must look there to identify the specific sources covered by these policies and procedures.
Contractors includes subcontractors
For this subpart, the term “contractors” is not limited to prime contractors. It also includes subcontractors, so the rules can apply at the subcontract level when relevant.
Contracts includes subcontracts
Likewise, the term “contracts” includes subcontracts for purposes of this subpart. This prevents a technical distinction from excluding subcontract arrangements from the subpart’s requirements.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Apply subpart 51.1 as the governing framework for contractor use of Government supply sources and read the terms broadly to include subcontract relationships when the subpart is being implemented or enforced.
Contractor
Understand that the subpart may apply to the contractor’s own use of Government supply sources and, where applicable, to subcontracting arrangements because the term contractor includes subcontractor for this subpart.
Subcontractor
Comply with the subpart’s policies and procedures when using Government supply sources if the subcontractor is within the scope of the prime contract or other applicable arrangement covered by the subpart.
Agency
Administer the subpart consistently with its stated scope and ensure internal guidance and contract administration practices reflect the broad reading of contractors and contracts to include subcontractors and subcontracts.
Practical Implications
This section is a scope-and-interpretation rule, so its main day-to-day effect is to tell users how broadly to read the rest of subpart 51.1.
Contractors should not assume the rules stop at the prime contract level; subcontractors may also be covered when Government supply sources are involved.
A common pitfall is overlooking the cross-reference to FAR 51.102(c), which identifies the actual supply sources covered by the subpart.
Another pitfall is reading “contractor” and “contract” narrowly and missing that the subpart intentionally includes subcontractors and subcontracts.
Because the section is brief, users should treat it as a gateway provision and then consult the operative sections of the subpart for the actual procedures and limitations.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart prescribes policies and procedures for the use of Government supply sources (see 51.102 (c)) by contractors. In this subpart, the terms "contractors" and "contracts" include "subcontractors" and "subcontracts."