FAR 53.110—Continuation sheets.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 53.110 addresses how to continue a standard form when the form does not have enough space to capture all required information. It covers two acceptable continuation methods: plain paper of similar specification and specially constructed continuation sheets, such as OF 336, unless another FAR provision says otherwise. It also requires a specific identification practice for continuation sheets: the upper right-hand corner must show the reference number of the document being continued and the serial page number. In practice, this section exists to preserve the integrity, traceability, and completeness of procurement records and contract documents when a standard form runs out of room. For contracting officers, contractors, and other users of FAR-prescribed forms, the rule ensures that extra pages are clearly tied to the original form and can be filed, reviewed, and audited without confusion. The section is short, but it is important because improper continuation pages can create recordkeeping problems, version-control issues, or disputes about what information belongs to the official document.
Key Rules
Continuation is generally allowed
When a FAR-prescribed standard form does not have enough space, it may be continued on additional pages. This gives users a practical way to complete the form without altering the prescribed format.
Plain paper is acceptable
One permitted option is plain paper of similar specification. The paper should be suitable for official use and consistent enough with the original form to support clear recordkeeping.
Special continuation sheets are acceptable
A specially constructed continuation sheet, such as OF 336, may also be used. This is useful when agencies want a standardized attachment format that is easy to recognize and file.
Follow any contrary FAR instruction
The rule applies except as otherwise indicated in the FAR. If another FAR provision requires a different method or limits continuation, that specific instruction controls.
Identify the continued document
Each continuation sheet must be annotated in the upper right-hand corner with the reference number of the document being continued. This links the extra page to the original form and prevents misfiling or ambiguity.
Number the pages serially
Continuation sheets must also show the serial page number. Sequential numbering helps establish the order of pages and confirms whether any pages are missing from the record.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Ensure that continuation sheets used in official procurement documents comply with FAR requirements, including proper identification and page numbering. The contracting officer should also verify that no other FAR provision requires a different continuation method.
Contractor
When completing or submitting FAR-prescribed forms, use only permitted continuation methods and clearly mark each continuation page with the required reference number and serial page number. The contractor should make sure the additional pages are legible, complete, and properly attached to the original document.
Agency/Administrative Staff
Provide or accept continuation sheets in a way that preserves the official record, and maintain filing practices that keep the continuation pages associated with the correct source document. Staff should check that the pages are properly annotated before processing or archiving them.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a recordkeeping rule, but it matters because continuation pages become part of the official document and must be easy to match to the original form.
A common mistake is using extra pages without clearly marking the reference number or page sequence, which can create confusion during review, audit, or litigation.
Users should not assume every form can be continued in the same way; always check whether another FAR provision imposes a special rule.
If a continuation sheet is used, it should be formatted and labeled consistently so the document remains complete and professionally maintained.
Proper continuation pages reduce the risk of missing information, misplaced attachments, and disputes over which pages are part of the executed record.
Official Regulatory Text
Except as may be otherwise indicated in the FAR, all standard forms prescribed by the FAR may be continued on (a) plain paper of similar specification, or (b) specially constructed continuation sheets ( e.g., OF336 ). Continuation sheets shall be annotated in the upper right-hand corner with the reference number of the document being continued and the serial page number.