FAR 52.236-24—Work Oversight in Architect-Engineer Contracts.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.236-24, Work Oversight in Architect-Engineer Contracts, is a short but important clause that defines who controls the performance of architect-engineer (A-E) work after award. It addresses the extent and character of the contractor’s work, and it makes clear that the Contracting Officer has general oversight, supervision, direction, control, and approval authority over that work. In practice, this clause reinforces that A-E services are not performed independently without government review; instead, the government retains the right to guide, review, and approve the work as it develops. The clause helps protect the government’s interests by ensuring technical quality, consistency with the contract, and alignment with project requirements, while also clarifying that the contractor must work within the government’s oversight framework. For contractors, it means deliverables, design decisions, and work processes may be subject to government direction and approval at multiple stages, not just at final acceptance. For contracting officers and project teams, it provides a contractual basis for active management of A-E performance and review of technical work products.
Key Rules
CO Has Oversight Authority
The Contracting Officer has general oversight, supervision, direction, control, and approval authority over the contractor’s work. This means the government may review and influence how the A-E effort is performed, not merely accept or reject the final product.
Work Is Subject to Approval
The extent and character of the work are subject to the Contracting Officer’s approval. The contractor must obtain required approvals for work as directed by the contract and cannot treat technical decisions as solely within its discretion.
Applies to A-E Performance
This clause is specific to architect-engineer contracts and reflects the government’s need to manage technical design services closely. It supports active government involvement in design development, coordination, and quality control.
Does Not Eliminate Contractor Responsibility
Government oversight does not transfer professional responsibility away from the contractor. The contractor remains responsible for performing the work in accordance with the contract, applicable standards, and professional obligations.
Supports Ongoing Review
The clause contemplates continuing oversight during performance, not just a one-time review at the end. In practice, this allows the Contracting Officer to direct corrections, request revisions, and approve intermediate deliverables as the work progresses.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Exercise general oversight, supervision, direction, control, and approval of the A-E contractor’s work. Review the extent and character of the work, provide required approvals, and ensure performance stays aligned with contract requirements.
Contractor
Perform the architect-engineer work subject to the Contracting Officer’s oversight and approval. Follow government direction within the scope of the contract, submit work for review as required, and make revisions or corrections directed by the government.
Agency/Project Team
Support the Contracting Officer by monitoring technical performance, coordinating reviews, and communicating project requirements and concerns. Ensure oversight is applied consistently and in a way that supports contract objectives.
Practical Implications
Contractors should expect active government involvement in design and technical decisions, so internal workflows should allow time for review, comments, and approvals.
A common pitfall is assuming A-E work can proceed without formal government input; this clause makes clear that oversight is part of performance, not an exception.
Contracting Officers should use the clause to manage technical quality, but they should stay within the contract’s scope and avoid directing work in a way that creates ambiguity about responsibility.
Because the clause is broad, clear communication is essential: parties should document approvals, comments, and required changes to avoid disputes over what was authorized.
The clause is especially important for intermediate deliverables and design development stages, where government review can prevent costly rework later in the project.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 36.609-3 , insert the following clause: Work Oversight in Architect-Engineer Contracts (Apr 1984) The extent and character of the work to be done by the Contractor shall be subject to the general oversight, supervision, direction, control, and approval of the Contracting Officer. (End of clause)