FAR 52.252-6—Authorized Deviations in Clauses.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.252-6 tells contracting officers how to identify clauses that are being used with an authorized deviation in solicitations and contracts. It covers both FAR clauses and supplemental agency clauses, and it requires the clause citation to stay tied to the original clause number, title, and date while clearly showing that a deviation exists. For FAR clauses, the marker is “(DEVIATION)” after the date; for supplemental clauses, the marker is “(DEVIATION)” after the name of the regulation. The section exists to preserve transparency, avoid confusion about which version of a clause applies, and make it easier for offerors, contractors, auditors, and reviewers to understand that the clause text is not the standard FAR or agency text. In practice, this clause is a labeling and notice requirement: it does not itself authorize deviations, but it ensures that any approved deviation is clearly identified wherever the clause appears.
Key Rules
Use only with authorized deviations
This clause applies when a FAR or supplemental clause is being used with an authorized deviation. The contracting officer must not use the deviation label unless the deviation has been properly authorized under the applicable deviation procedures.
Keep original clause citation
The clause must be identified by the same number, title, and date it would have without the deviation. This preserves the underlying clause identity so users can tell exactly which standard clause has been modified.
Add deviation marker to FAR clauses
For a FAR clause, the contracting officer must insert “(DEVIATION)” after the date of the clause. This makes the deviation visible while still showing the clause’s original FAR citation.
Add deviation marker to supplemental clauses
For a supplemental agency clause, the contracting officer must insert “(DEVIATION)” after the name of the regulation. The clause citation should also include the regulation name, so the reader can identify the agency supplement involved.
Apply in both solicitations and contracts
The identification rule applies whenever the clause appears in a solicitation or a contract. The same labeling convention must be used consistently in both documents.
Do not alter clause identity beyond the marker
The rule is about identification, not rewriting the clause citation. The contracting officer should not change the clause number, title, or date except to add the required deviation notation.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Ensure any FAR or supplemental clause used with an authorized deviation is properly identified with the original number, title, and date, and add “(DEVIATION)” in the correct location. The contracting officer must also include the regulation name for supplemental clauses and use the clause consistently in solicitations and contracts.
Agency/Deviating Authority
Authorize the deviation through the proper internal or regulatory process before the clause is used. The agency must ensure the deviation is valid and that the contracting officer has the correct approved text and citation.
Offerors/Contractors
Review the solicitation or contract to recognize when a clause is being used with a deviation and account for the modified clause text in pricing, compliance, and performance planning. Contractors should not assume the standard FAR or agency clause text applies when the deviation notation is present.
Legal/Policy Review Personnel
Verify that the deviation is properly approved and that the clause is cited and labeled correctly. They help ensure the deviation is transparent and that the solicitation or contract record accurately reflects the modified clause.
Practical Implications
This clause is mainly a visibility and traceability requirement, so the biggest day-to-day issue is making sure the deviation is obvious to anyone reading the solicitation or contract. If the notation is omitted, parties may mistakenly assume the standard clause applies, which can create compliance disputes later.
A common pitfall is changing the clause citation too much when a deviation is used. The rule requires the original number, title, and date to remain intact, with only the deviation marker added in the proper place.
For supplemental clauses, users sometimes forget to include the regulation name or place the deviation marker incorrectly. That can make it harder to tell which agency supplement is being modified and can undermine clarity in the contract file.
Contractors should treat a deviation-marked clause as a real contract requirement, not just a formatting note. The deviation may change obligations, risk allocation, or administrative procedures, so it should be reviewed carefully during proposal preparation and contract administration.
For contracting officers, this clause supports clean records and easier audits. Proper labeling helps reviewers confirm that the deviation was authorized and that the contract text matches the approved deviation package.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 52.107 (f) , insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts that include any FAR or supplemental clause with an authorized deviation. Whenever any FAR or supplemental clause is used with an authorized deviation, the contracting officer shall identify it by the same number, title, and date assigned to the clause when it is used without deviation, include regulation name for any supplemental clause, except that the contracting officer shall insert "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause. Authorized Deviations in Clauses (Nov 2020) (a) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause. (b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any _____ [ insert regulation name ] (48 CFR _____ ) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation. (End of clause)