FAR 52.251-2—Interagency Fleet Management System Vehicles and Related Services.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.251-2, Interagency Fleet Management System Vehicles and Related Services, addresses when and how a contractor may use government fleet vehicles and related support services through the Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) to perform a contract. The clause gives the Contracting Officer discretion to issue an authorization, rather than creating an automatic right for the contractor to obtain vehicles or services. It also incorporates compliance with the applicable government motor vehicle rules in 41 CFR part 101-39 and 41 CFR 101-38.301-1, which govern the use, service, and maintenance of IFMS vehicles and the use of related services. In practice, this clause matters when contract performance requires government-furnished transportation resources, because it controls access, operating rules, and maintenance responsibilities. It helps ensure that IFMS assets are used only for authorized contract performance and handled consistently with federal fleet management requirements. Contractors and contracting officers should treat the authorization as a controlled administrative arrangement, not a general entitlement, and should verify the governing fleet regulations before using the vehicles or services.
Key Rules
CO may authorize access
The Contracting Officer may issue an authorization for the contractor to obtain IFMS vehicles and related services. This is discretionary, so the contractor cannot assume access unless the CO expressly approves it.
Use only for contract performance
IFMS vehicles and related services are to be obtained for use in performing the contract. The clause ties the authorization to the specific contract and its performance needs.
Follow fleet regulations
The contractor must use, service, and maintain IFMS vehicles in accordance with 41 CFR 101-39. Related services must also be used in accordance with 41 CFR 101-38.301-1.
Compliance is mandatory
The clause incorporates the cited regulations by reference, making compliance a contractual requirement. Failure to follow the fleet rules can create contract performance issues and potential liability.
Authorization is limited
The clause does not itself define the scope, duration, or operational terms of the authorization. Those details are controlled by the CO’s authorization and the incorporated fleet regulations.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Decide whether IFMS vehicles or related services are needed for contract performance, issue any authorization, and ensure the contractor understands the applicable regulatory requirements and limits.
Contractor
Use IFMS vehicles and related services only if authorized, and comply with all applicable requirements for use, service, maintenance, and related services under 41 CFR 101-39 and 41 CFR 101-38.301-1.
Agency/Fleet Management Officials
Provide IFMS vehicles and related services in accordance with federal fleet management rules and any applicable authorization, and administer vehicle use, servicing, and maintenance consistent with those rules.
Practical Implications
This clause is mainly about controlled access to government fleet resources, so contractors should not plan on IFMS vehicles unless the contract or CO specifically authorizes them.
The biggest pitfall is assuming the clause grants a right to vehicles; it only allows the CO to authorize access.
Contractors should confirm who is responsible for fuel, maintenance, repairs, reporting, and permitted use before taking possession of a vehicle.
Because the clause points to external regulations, users must check the current text of the cited CFR provisions rather than relying only on the clause language.
Contracting officers should document the authorization clearly to avoid disputes over scope, permitted drivers, service obligations, and accountability for misuse or damage.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 51.205 , insert the following clause: Interagency Fleet Management System Vehicles and Related Services (Jan 1991) The Contracting Officer may issue the Contractor an authorization to obtain interagency fleet management system (IFMS) vehicles and related services for use in the performance of this contract. The use, service, and maintenance of interagency fleet management system vehicles and the use of related services by the Contractor shall be in accordance with 41 CFR 101-39 and 41 CFR 101-38.301 -1. (End of clause)