FAR 51.200—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 51.200 is the scope statement for Subpart 51.2, and it tells readers exactly what this subpart is about: the policies and procedures governing contractors’ use of interagency fleet management system (IFMS) vehicles and related services. In practical terms, it explains when and how contractors may use government fleet resources provided through an IFMS arrangement, rather than through a contractor-owned or commercially leased vehicle solution. It also establishes an important interpretive rule: throughout this subpart, the words “contractors” and “contracts” are read broadly to include “subcontractors” and “subcontracts,” consistent with FAR 45.102. That means the rules are not limited to prime contractors alone; they can flow down to lower tiers when the arrangement involves IFMS vehicles or related services. The section exists to make sure fleet resources are used consistently, appropriately, and in a way that aligns with government property and transportation management requirements. For contracting officers, contractors, and subcontractors, the practical significance is that this subpart is not just about vehicle access—it also affects compliance, authorization, and administration of fleet-related support under federal contracts.
Key Rules
IFMS use is the subject
This subpart applies to contractors’ use of interagency fleet management system vehicles and related services. It is the governing framework for that specific category of government-provided transportation support.
Policies and procedures apply
The subpart prescribes the policies and procedures that control how IFMS vehicles and related services are used by contractors. Users must follow the requirements in the subpart rather than treating fleet access as informal or ad hoc.
Contractor includes subcontractor
For purposes of this subpart, the terms “contractors” and “contracts” include “subcontractors” and “subcontracts.” This broad reading ensures the rules can apply at lower tiers when subcontract performance involves IFMS vehicles or related services.
Cross-reference to FAR 45.102
The definition expansion is tied to FAR 45.102. That cross-reference signals that property-related terminology and treatment should be read consistently with the broader government property framework.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Apply the subpart when authorizing or administering contractor use of IFMS vehicles and related services, and ensure the applicable policies and procedures are followed in the contract or related administration.
Contractor
Use IFMS vehicles and related services only in accordance with the policies and procedures in this subpart, and recognize that the requirements may apply even when the work is performed through subcontracting.
Subcontractor
Comply with the same IFMS-related rules when the subcontract involves use of IFMS vehicles or related services, because the subpart treats subcontractors as included within the term contractor.
Agency
Provide and manage IFMS vehicle and related service arrangements in a manner consistent with the subpart and ensure agency-level fleet practices support compliant contractor use.
Practical Implications
This section is a scope provision, so it does not create the full operational rules by itself; it tells you where the subpart applies and how to read its terms.
Contractors should not assume only prime contracts matter—subcontract performance can also be covered, which is a common compliance pitfall.
When a contract involves government fleet vehicles or related services, the parties should check the rest of Subpart 51.2 and related property rules before use begins.
Contracting officers should make sure contract administration and any flowdown expectations are clear if subcontractors will access IFMS resources.
The broad definition of contractor and contract helps prevent gaps in oversight, but it also means organizations need to train both prime and lower-tier personnel on the same requirements.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart prescribes policies and procedures for the use by contractors of interagency fleet management system (IFMS) vehicles and related services. In this subpart, the terms "contractors" and "contracts" include "subcontractors" and "subcontracts" (see 45.102 ).