FAR 52.247-25—Government-Furnished Equipment With or Without Operators.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.247-25 is a transportation clause used in solicitations and contracts for transportation or transportation-related services when the Government will furnish equipment, such as forklifts, either with operators or without operators. The clause tells the parties that the Government will provide specified equipment, identifies whether the equipment will be furnished with or without operators, and states the location(s) where the equipment will be available—origin, destination, or both—to assist with loading, unloading, or both when required. Its purpose is to make the Government’s support arrangement explicit so the contractor knows what equipment will be available, where it will be available, and whether operator support is included. In practice, this clause helps avoid disputes over who is responsible for loading and unloading support, what resources the Government is supplying, and whether the contractor must provide its own labor or equipment. It is a narrow but important clause because transportation performance often depends on timely access to material-handling equipment and clear coordination at pickup and delivery points.
Key Rules
Use only in covered procurements
This clause is prescribed for solicitations and contracts for transportation or transportation-related services when the Government furnishes equipment with or without operators. It is not a general-purpose clause and should be inserted only when the acquisition actually involves Government-provided equipment for loading or unloading support.
Identify the equipment specifically
The clause requires the contracting activity to insert the specific equipment being furnished, such as forklifts. This makes the Government’s commitment clear and prevents ambiguity about the type of support available.
State whether operators are included
The clause requires striking out either 'with' or 'without' as applicable. This distinction matters because it determines whether the Government is also providing the personnel needed to operate the equipment.
Specify the location of support
The clause requires insertion of origin, destination, or both, depending on where the equipment will be furnished. The location must be clear so the contractor knows where to plan for equipment availability.
Define the work supported
The clause requires insertion of loading, unloading, or both. This limits the Government-furnished equipment to the stated purpose and helps allocate responsibility for other handling tasks.
Provide equipment when required
The clause states that the Government will provide the equipment to assist when required, which means the support is tied to the needs of the transportation effort and the contract terms, not an open-ended promise of unlimited equipment availability.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Insert the clause when the procurement is for transportation or transportation-related services and the Government will furnish equipment with or without operators. Complete all blanks accurately, including the equipment type, whether operators are included, the location(s), and whether the equipment supports loading, unloading, or both.
Government Furnishing Activity / Agency
Provide the specified equipment at the stated origin, destination, or both, and furnish operators if the clause says 'with operators.' Coordinate availability so the equipment can be used for the intended loading or unloading support when required.
Contractor
Plan performance based on the Government’s stated equipment support, including whether operators are provided and where the equipment will be available. Coordinate timing and handling needs with the Government and do not assume support beyond what the clause expressly states.
Transportation or Logistics Personnel
Coordinate the actual use of the equipment at the designated location(s) and for the designated purpose. Ensure the equipment is used only for the loading or unloading support identified in the contract.
Practical Implications
This clause reduces uncertainty in transportation operations by spelling out whether the Government is supplying material-handling equipment and operator support. That can affect pricing, staffing, scheduling, and performance planning.
A common pitfall is leaving the blanks incomplete or failing to strike 'with' or 'without,' which can create ambiguity about the Government’s obligations and lead to disputes.
Another frequent issue is assuming the equipment will be available everywhere or for every task; the clause limits support to the stated origin, destination, and loading/unloading purpose.
Contractors should verify the timing and coordination requirements early, because transportation schedules can be disrupted if equipment or operators are not available when needed.
Contracting officers should ensure the clause matches the actual performance plan and the agency’s ability to furnish the equipment, since inaccurate insertions can create performance failures or claims.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 47.207-8 (a)(2)(i), insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts for transportation or for transportation-related services when the Government furnishes equipment with or without operators: Government-Furnished Equipment With or Without Operators (Apr 1984) The Government will provide ____ [ insert equipment; e.g.,forklifts ] with or without operators at ____ [ strike out "with" or "without," as applicable, and insert origin, destination, or both ] to assist in ____ [insert loading, unloading, or both ] , when required. (End of clause)