FAR 53.236-1—Construction.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 53.236-1 identifies the standard forms used in federal construction contracting and ties each form to the type and dollar value of the acquisition. It covers solicitations and awards for construction, alteration, or repair; dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements; and the related use of abstract forms for recording bids or proposal information. The section distinguishes between contracts expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and those at or below it, because the prescribed form changes with the acquisition size and method. It specifically names SF 1442 for larger construction-related procurements, OF 347 for smaller construction-related procurements under the simplified acquisition threshold, and OF 1419/1419A for bid abstracts. In practice, this section matters because using the wrong form can create administrative errors, complicate bid opening and award documentation, and create inconsistency with the FAR’s prescribed procedures in Part 36 and Part 53. It is a form-prescription rule, but it also affects how agencies package solicitations, capture offers, and document competition in construction contracting.
Key Rules
SF 1442 for larger construction
SF 1442, Solicitation, Offer and Award (Construction, Alteration, or Repair), is prescribed for solicitations and awards expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold for construction, alteration, or repair. It may also be used for contracts within the simplified acquisition threshold if the agency chooses to do so.
SF 1442 for demolition work
SF 1442 is also prescribed for contracts expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements. This keeps the same construction-oriented form in use for major demolition-type procurements.
OF 347 for smaller construction buys
OF 347, Order for Supplies or Services, or an approved agency form, may be used for contracts under the simplified acquisition threshold for construction, alteration, or repair. The same option applies to dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements when the procurement is below the threshold.
OF 1419 for bid abstracts
OF 1419, Abstract of Offers-Construction, and OF 1419A, the continuation sheet, are prescribed for recording bids and may also be used to record proposal information. These forms support the formal documentation of offer data in construction procurements.
Cross-reference to Part 36
The section does not stand alone; it points to FAR 36.701 for the detailed circumstances under which each form is used. Contracting personnel must read this section together with the Part 36 prescriptions to apply the correct form.
Reserved paragraphs
Paragraphs (a) through (c) are reserved, which means they contain no operative prescription in the current text. Users should rely on the active paragraphs (d) through (f) for the actual form requirements.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Select and use the prescribed form based on the type of work and whether the acquisition is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Ensure the solicitation, offer, award, and bid-recording documents align with the applicable FAR prescription and any agency-approved form authority.
Agency
Provide approved forms, templates, and internal procedures that implement the FAR prescriptions. Ensure personnel know when SF 1442, OF 347, or OF 1419/1419A is required or permitted and maintain consistency with FAR Part 36 and Part 53.
Contractor/Offeror
Complete and submit the solicitation or offer on the form required by the solicitation. For construction procurements, ensure the offer is prepared on the correct form and that all required signatures, pricing, and representations are properly entered.
Procurement/Contract Administration Staff
Record bids or proposal information on OF 1419 and OF 1419A when used for construction procurements. Maintain accurate records of offers received and support the contracting officer’s award documentation.
Practical Implications
Using the wrong form can create avoidable administrative defects, especially in sealed bidding or other construction procurements where the form is tied to the acquisition method and dollar threshold.
SF 1442 is the default construction solicitation/award form for larger jobs, so contracting staff should verify the estimated value early to avoid issuing the wrong document.
OF 347 is only authorized here for construction-related work under the simplified acquisition threshold, so it should not be used as a substitute for larger construction acquisitions.
OF 1419 and 1419A are recordkeeping tools, not award forms; teams should use them to document bids or proposal information, not to replace the solicitation or contract instrument.
Because this section cross-references FAR 36.701, users should always confirm the detailed prescription there before finalizing the solicitation package or award file.
Official Regulatory Text
The following forms are prescribed, as stated below, for use in contracting for construction, alteration, or repair, or dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements. (a) [Reserved] (b) [Reserved] (c) [Reserved] (d) SF 1442 (Rev. 12/2022.), Solicitation, Offer and Award (Construction, Alteration, or Repair) . SF 1442 is prescribed for use in soliciting offers and awarding contracts expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold for- (1) Construction, alteration, or repair; or (2) Dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements (and may be used for contracts within the simplified acquisition threshold), as specified in 36.701 (a). (e) OF 347 (Rev.2/2012), Order for Supplies or Services . OF 347 , prescribed in 53.213 (f) (or an approved agency form), may be used for contracts under the simplified acquisition threshold for- (1) Construction, alteration, or repair; or (2) Dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements, as specified in 36.701 (b). (f) OF 1419 (11/88Ed.), Abstract of Offers-Construction, and OF 1419A (11/88Ed.), Abstract of Offers-Construction, Continuation Sheet . OF’s 1419 and 1419A are prescribed for use in recording bids (and may be used for recording proposal information), as specified in 36.701 (c).