Definitions.
FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, tells contracting parties how to interpret words and terms used in solicitations and contracts when those terms are defined somewhere in the FAR. Its main purpose is to create a default rule: if a term has a FAR definition, that definition controls, and it is the definition in FAR 2.101 that was in effect when the solicitation was issued. The clause also identifies important exceptions, including when the solicitation or an amendment supplies a different definition, when the parties expressly agree to a different meaning, when the relevant FAR part/subpart/section gives the term a special meaning, when FAR part 31 uses the term for cost principles and procedures, and when the term is an acquisition-related threshold that later changes because of inflation adjustments under FAR 1.109. In practice, this clause reduces disputes over meaning, helps keep solicitations and contracts consistent with the FAR, and tells contractors and contracting officers when they must follow a special or updated definition instead of the general FAR 2.101 definition. It is especially important for terms that affect eligibility, pricing, compliance, reporting, and threshold-based requirements.