FAR 52.236-6—Superintendence by the Contractor.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.236-6, Superintendence by the Contractor, is a simple but important construction clause that addresses on-site management of the work. It requires the contractor to either directly supervise performance or place a competent superintendent at the worksite for the entire period of performance until the work is completed and accepted. The clause also gives the contracting officer approval authority over the superintendent, requiring that person to be satisfactory to the government and empowered to act for the contractor. In practice, this clause is meant to ensure continuous, responsible, and responsive leadership on the jobsite so the government has a clear point of contact for day-to-day coordination, safety, quality, scheduling, and issue resolution. It matters because lack of effective superintendence can lead to delays, defective work, communication breakdowns, and disputes over who had authority to make decisions or correct problems.
Key Rules
Continuous on-site supervision
The contractor must directly superintend the work at all times during performance, or ensure that a competent superintendent is present on the worksite. This obligation continues until the work is completed and accepted, not merely until substantial completion or a milestone date.
Superintendent must be competent
If the contractor uses a superintendent, that person must be capable of managing the work effectively. Competence is not defined in the clause, but it generally means having the experience, knowledge, and judgment needed to oversee the contract work properly.
Superintendent must satisfy the CO
The superintendent must be satisfactory to the contracting officer. This gives the government the right to object if the individual is not suitable for the project, even if the contractor prefers that person.
Authority to act for contractor
The superintendent must have authority to act for the contractor. This ensures the person on site can make or communicate decisions, coordinate work, and respond to government direction without unnecessary delay.
Applies through acceptance
The duty lasts until the work is completed and accepted. The contractor cannot withdraw supervision before final acceptance unless the government has accepted the work and the contract obligations tied to on-site superintendence have ended.
Responsibilities
Contractor
Either personally superintend the work or provide a competent superintendent on site at all times during performance. Ensure the superintendent has real authority to act for the contractor and remains in place until completion and acceptance.
Superintendent
Oversee the worksite, coordinate day-to-day performance, and serve as the contractor’s authorized on-site representative. Maintain sufficient presence and decision-making authority to keep the work moving and address issues promptly.
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the proposed superintendent is satisfactory to the government. Raise concerns if the contractor’s on-site supervision is inadequate or if the superintendent lacks competence or authority.
Practical Implications
This clause is a jobsite control requirement, not just a staffing preference: the government expects a real, reachable decision-maker on site.
A common pitfall is naming a superintendent who is rarely present or lacks authority to commit the contractor, which can create delays and compliance issues.
Contractors should make sure the superintendent can coordinate subcontractors, respond to inspections, and handle government questions without waiting for off-site approval.
If the contracting officer objects to the superintendent, the contractor may need to replace that person quickly to avoid performance problems or potential default-related issues.
The clause helps prevent confusion over who speaks for the contractor, so contractors should clearly document the superintendent’s authority and chain of command.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 36.506 , insert the following clause: Superintendence by the Contractor (Apr 1984) At all times during performance of this contract and until the work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent superintendent who is satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and has authority to act for the Contractor. (End of clause)