FAR 52.200—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.200 is a scope statement for Subpart 52.2, which is the part of the FAR that collects the text of FAR provisions and clauses and points users to the FAR location that prescribes each one. In practical terms, this section tells readers that the subpart is not creating new contract requirements by itself; instead, it serves as a reference and organizing tool for locating the actual provision or clause text and the rule that requires its use. It specifically ties the subpart to the provisions and clauses identified in FAR 52.101(b)(1) and to the cross-references showing where each provision or clause is prescribed elsewhere in the FAR. This matters because contracting officers, contractors, and acquisition personnel rely on Subpart 52.2 to find the exact clause language that may be inserted into solicitations and contracts and to verify the authority for using it. The section supports consistency, traceability, and correct clause selection across federal acquisitions.
Key Rules
Subpart contains clause text
This subpart sets out the actual text of FAR provisions and clauses. It functions as the repository for standardized solicitation provisions and contract clauses used in federal procurement.
Cross-references are provided
The subpart also gives a cross-reference to the FAR location that prescribes each provision or clause. Users can trace each clause back to the rule that requires or authorizes its use.
Linked to 52.101(b)(1)
The scope specifically refers to the provisions and clauses identified in FAR 52.101(b)(1). That means the subpart is organized around the FAR’s defined list of provisions and clauses.
Reference, not prescription
This section does not itself prescribe when a clause must be used; it only identifies where the clause text appears and where the prescribing rule is located. The actual requirement to include a clause comes from the separate FAR section cited in the cross-reference.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Use Subpart 52.2 to locate the correct provision or clause text and verify the FAR section that prescribes it before including it in a solicitation or contract.
Contractor
Review the clause or provision text in Subpart 52.2 and use the cross-reference to understand the regulatory basis and applicability of the requirement.
Agency Acquisition Personnel
Rely on the subpart as a standardized reference source when drafting, reviewing, or validating solicitation and contract language.
FAR System Users
Consult the cross-reference structure to ensure they are using the current prescribed clause text and not treating the scope section itself as a substantive requirement.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a navigation tool, so users should not mistake it for a clause prescription rule.
The cross-reference helps prevent using the wrong clause or missing the FAR authority for a clause.
Contracting officers should always confirm the prescribing FAR section, not just the clause text, before insertion.
Contractors can use the cross-reference to understand why a clause appears in a solicitation or contract and where to research its basis.
A common pitfall is citing the scope section itself as authority; the real authority is the separate FAR section that prescribes the clause.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart sets forth the text of all FAR provisions and clauses (see 52.101 (b)(1)) and gives a cross-reference to the location in the FAR that prescribes the provision or clause.