FAR 52.217-6—Option for Increased Quantity.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.217-6, Option for Increased Quantity, is a contract clause used when the Government wants the right to buy more of the same supplies after award. It covers the Government’s ability to increase the quantity called for in the schedule, the requirement that the added items be priced at the unit price already specified in the contract, the need for the Contracting Officer to exercise the option by written notice, the time period within which that notice must be given, and the delivery rate for the added items. In practice, this clause gives agencies flexibility to meet changing needs without reopening competition, while giving contractors advance notice of the maximum additional obligation they may face. It is a supply-only clause focused on quantity increases, not a general scope-expansion tool, and it works only if the option is exercised exactly as the contract and the clause require. The clause also preserves continuity by stating that added items are delivered at the same rate as the original items unless the parties agree otherwise. For contractors and contracting officers, the key significance is that the option must be timely, properly documented, and consistent with the contract’s pricing and delivery terms.
Key Rules
Government May Increase Quantity
The clause gives the Government the right to add more of the supplies already ordered in the schedule. This is a unilateral option right, meaning the Government can decide whether to buy the extra quantity if it follows the clause’s requirements.
Unit Price Stays Fixed
Any added quantity must be purchased at the unit price stated in the contract. The clause does not authorize renegotiation of the unit price for the option quantity unless some other contract term or separate agreement allows it.
Written Exercise Required
The Contracting Officer must exercise the option by written notice to the contractor. Oral notice or informal communications are not enough; the exercise must be clear, documented, and issued by the proper authority.
Must Be Timely
The option must be exercised within the time period inserted in the clause. If the Government misses that deadline, it generally loses the right to use this option unless the contract is modified by mutual agreement or another legal basis exists.
Same Delivery Rate Applies
Delivery of the added items continues at the same rate as the like items already required under the contract, unless the parties agree otherwise. This means the option quantity normally follows the existing production or delivery cadence rather than creating a new schedule.
Applies to Supplies in the Schedule
This clause is limited to supplies called for in the contract schedule. It is not a blanket authority to add unrelated items or materially change the contract’s scope.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the option should be used, ensure the contract includes the required option period, and exercise the option by timely written notice. The Contracting Officer must also make sure the option quantity, price, and delivery terms are consistent with the clause and the contract.
Contractor
Accept performance of the increased quantity when the option is properly exercised, deliver the added items at the contract unit price, and continue deliveries at the required rate unless a different rate is mutually agreed. The contractor should also monitor the option deadline and the written notice for compliance with the contract terms.
Agency/Requirement Owner
Identify the need for additional quantities early enough for the Contracting Officer to exercise the option within the stated period. The agency should ensure the option quantity is supported by the requirement and that funding and planning are in place before exercise.
Practical Implications
This clause is useful when demand may increase, but the Government wants to lock in pricing and avoid a new procurement. Contractors should understand that the option quantity is part of the bargain and may be ordered if the Government acts on time.
A common pitfall is missing the exercise deadline. If the Contracting Officer waits too long, the option may be unenforceable, which can force the agency to compete the requirement again or negotiate a separate action.
Another issue is assuming the option can change more than quantity. The clause is about increasing quantity of the same supplies; if the Government wants different items, different terms, or a major schedule change, this clause may not support that action.
The delivery-rate language matters operationally. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the contractor is expected to ramp up deliveries at the same pace as the base items, so production capacity and supply chain planning should account for a possible increase.
Because the option is exercised by written notice, both sides should keep clear records of the notice date, the option period, and the exact quantity ordered. Documentation is often critical if there is later a dispute over whether the option was validly exercised.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 17.208 (d) , insert a clause substantially the same as the following: Option for Increased Quantity (Mar 1989) The Government may increase the quantity of supplies called for in the Schedule at the unit price specified. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within ______________________ [ insert in the clause the period of time in which the Contracting Officer has to exercise the option ] . Delivery of the added items shall continue at the same rate as the like items called for under the contract, unless the parties otherwise agree. (End of clause)