FAR 52.246-9—Inspection of Research and Development (Short Form).
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.246-9, Inspection of Research and Development (Short Form), gives the Government a broad right to inspect and evaluate both the work being performed and the premises where that work is performed under a research and development contract. It also addresses how that inspection must be conducted: at all reasonable times and in a way that does not unduly delay the contractor’s work. The clause further covers what happens when the Government conducts inspection or evaluation on the contractor’s or a subcontractor’s premises, requiring the contractor to provide, and to flow down to subcontractors the duty to provide, reasonable facilities and assistance for safe and convenient performance of the Government’s duties. In practice, this clause is about access, cooperation, and minimizing disruption while preserving the Government’s ability to monitor technical progress, compliance, and performance in R&D efforts. It is a short clause, but it is important because R&D work often involves evolving methods, specialized facilities, and subcontracted research activities that the Government may need to observe directly.
Key Rules
Government inspection right
The Government may inspect and evaluate the work performed or being performed under the contract, as well as the premises where the work is being performed. This right is broad and applies to both the product of the work and the environment in which the work occurs.
Reasonable times only
Government inspection and evaluation must occur at all reasonable times. The clause does not allow arbitrary or disruptive access; timing should be practical and consistent with the nature of the work and facility operations.
No undue delay
Inspection and evaluation must be conducted in a manner that will not unduly delay the work. The Government must balance oversight with the contractor’s need to continue research and development activities without unnecessary interruption.
Access to contractor premises
If the Government performs inspection or evaluation on the contractor’s premises, the contractor must provide reasonable facilities and assistance. This includes practical support needed for safe and convenient Government performance of the inspection function.
Flowdown to subcontractors
The contractor must require subcontractors to furnish the same reasonable facilities and assistance when Government inspection or evaluation occurs at a subcontractor’s premises. The contractor is responsible for ensuring subcontractor cooperation with this clause’s access requirements.
Responsibilities
Government
Inspect and evaluate the work and the premises where the work is performed, but do so only at reasonable times and in a way that does not unduly delay the contractor’s work.
Contractor
Allow Government inspection and evaluation of the work and premises, provide reasonable facilities and assistance when the Government is on the contractor’s premises, and ensure subcontractors also provide that support when needed.
Subcontractor
When Government inspection or evaluation occurs on the subcontractor’s premises, furnish reasonable facilities and assistance for safe and convenient performance of the Government’s duties, as required through the prime contractor.
Practical Implications
Contractors should expect Government personnel to observe work in progress, not just review final deliverables, so internal processes should be ready for periodic access and questions.
The phrase "reasonable facilities and assistance" is flexible, but it commonly means workspace, access to relevant areas, safety briefings, escorts if required by facility rules, and other practical support needed for the visit.
Because the clause applies to subcontractors too, primes should make sure R&D subcontracts include the necessary cooperation language and that subcontractors understand Government access expectations.
A common pitfall is treating inspection rights as limited to formal acceptance testing; this clause is broader and can cover ongoing evaluation of research activities and facilities.
Another frequent issue is scheduling or security friction. Contractors should coordinate in advance to avoid claims that Government visits are causing undue delay, while still preserving legitimate access and oversight.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 46.309 , insert the following clause: Inspection of Research and Development (ShortForm) (Apr 1984) The Government has the right to inspect and evaluate the work performed or being performed under the contract, and the premises where the work is being performed, at all reasonable times and in a manner that will not unduly delay the work. If the Government performs inspection or evaluation on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish and shall require subcontractors to furnish all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties. (End of clause)