FAR 53.111—Contract clause.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 53.111 tells contracting officers when to include the clause at 52.253-1, Computer Generated Forms, in solicitations and contracts. The section covers two related categories of forms: Standard Forms and Optional Forms prescribed by the FAR, and forms prescribed by agency supplements. Its purpose is to make clear that when a contractor must submit data on one of these prescribed forms, the contract should address whether computer-generated versions are acceptable and under what conditions. In practice, this helps avoid disputes over form format, legibility, completeness, and acceptance of electronically prepared or reproduced forms. It also preserves agency control where an agency supplement specifically prohibits use of computer-generated versions of its own forms. For contractors, this means checking the solicitation and contract for the clause whenever forms are required; for contracting officers, it means inserting the clause whenever the rule applies and confirming whether any agency-specific prohibition exists.
Key Rules
Insert the clause when forms are required
Contracting officers must include FAR 52.253-1, Computer Generated Forms, in solicitations and contracts that require the contractor to submit data on Standard Forms or Optional Forms prescribed by the FAR.
Covers agency supplement forms too
The clause also applies to forms prescribed by agency supplements, unless an agency regulation specifically prohibits use of the clause or computer-generated forms for those forms.
Agency prohibitions control
If an agency supplement prohibits computer-generated versions of a particular form, the contracting officer should not treat the general FAR rule as overriding that prohibition.
Applies to data submission requirements
The trigger is a requirement for the contractor to submit data on a prescribed form, not merely a general reporting obligation. The clause is intended to address the format and acceptability of the submitted form.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the solicitation or contract requires contractor submission of data on FAR Standard Forms, Optional Forms, or agency supplement forms, and insert clause 52.253-1 when required. Also verify whether any agency regulation prohibits computer-generated versions of agency-prescribed forms.
Contractor
Review the solicitation and contract to identify required forms and comply with the prescribed submission requirements, including any limits on computer-generated forms or agency-specific formatting rules.
Agency
Issue and maintain supplement forms and any regulations that govern whether computer-generated versions are allowed or prohibited for those forms.
Practical Implications
Contracting officers should check every solicitation and contract that requires a form submission to see whether 52.253-1 belongs in the package.
A common pitfall is overlooking agency supplement forms and assuming the FAR rule alone controls; agency-specific prohibitions can change the result.
Contractors should not assume that any computer-generated version is acceptable just because the form is familiar or widely used; the solicitation and agency rules matter.
The clause helps reduce disputes over whether a reproduced or electronically prepared form is acceptable, but it does not eliminate the need to follow the exact data and format requirements for the form.
When in doubt, the safest approach is to confirm the applicable form instructions, the solicitation language, and any agency supplement restrictions before submission.
Official Regulatory Text
Contracting officers shall insert the clause at 52.253-1 , Computer Generated Forms, in solicitations and contracts that require the contractor to submit data on Standard or Optional Forms prescribed by this regulation; and, unless prohibited by agency regulations, forms prescribed by agency supplements.