FAR 53.236-2—Architect-engineer services (SF’s 252 and 330).
Plain-English Summary
FAR 53.236-2 identifies the standard forms used in architect-engineer (A-E) contracting and ties each form to its specific purpose under FAR part 36. It covers two topics: SF 252, Architect-Engineer Contract, which is the prescribed form for awarding fixed-price A-E contracts under 36.702(a); and SF 330, Architect-Engineer Qualifications, which is the prescribed form for collecting professional qualification information from A-E firms under 36.702(b)(1) and (b)(2). In practice, this section matters because it standardizes both the award document and the qualifications submission process for A-E procurements, helping agencies evaluate firms consistently and document awards properly. It also signals that these forms are not optional when the cited FAR provisions apply, so contracting officers and offerors must use the correct form at the correct stage of the procurement. For contractors, SF 330 is the key vehicle for presenting qualifications, experience, and related capability information; for contracting officers, SF 252 is the contract instrument used when making a fixed-price A-E award. This section is narrow, but it is operationally important because using the wrong form, or using the right form at the wrong time, can create compliance and documentation problems in an A-E acquisition.
Key Rules
SF 252 for fixed-price awards
SF 252 (Rev. 10/23), Architect-Engineer Contract, is prescribed for use in awarding fixed-price contracts for architect-engineer services. When FAR 36.702(a) applies, the contracting officer should use this standard form as the contract award document.
SF 330 for qualifications data
SF 330 (Rev. Jul 2021), Architect-Engineer Qualifications, is prescribed for obtaining professional qualification information from architect-engineer firms. Agencies use it to collect the data needed under FAR 36.702(b)(1) and (b)(2).
Use is tied to FAR 36.702
This section does not stand alone; it points to FAR 36.702 for the circumstances in which each form must be used. Users must read this section together with part 36 to determine the correct procurement method and documentation requirements.
Form purpose differs by stage
SF 330 is a pre-award qualifications form used to evaluate firms, while SF 252 is the contract form used at award. The two forms serve different functions and should not be substituted for one another.
Current edition matters
The section specifies the revision dates for both forms. Contracting personnel should use the current prescribed version unless another controlling rule or agency instruction requires otherwise.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Use SF 252 when awarding fixed-price architect-engineer contracts under FAR 36.702(a). Obtain and rely on SF 330 submissions when collecting and evaluating architect-engineer qualifications under FAR 36.702(b)(1) and (b)(2), and ensure the correct form version is used.
Architect-Engineer Firm
Complete and submit SF 330 with accurate, current information about professional qualifications, experience, personnel, and related capability data when seeking consideration for A-E work. Review SF 252 carefully when awarded a contract to confirm the contract terms reflected in the award document.
Agency Acquisition Staff
Support the contracting officer by ensuring the prescribed forms are available, current, and used consistently in A-E procurements. Maintain procurement records showing that the proper form was used for qualifications collection and contract award.
Source Selection/Evaluation Personnel
Use SF 330 submissions as the standardized source of qualifications information for evaluating A-E firms under the applicable FAR 36 procedures. Apply the information consistently and in accordance with the solicitation and evaluation criteria.
Practical Implications
For day-to-day A-E buys, this section is mainly a form-control rule: SF 330 is for qualifications, SF 252 is for the fixed-price contract award. Mixing them up can create process errors or incomplete files.
Contracting officers should verify the revision date and prescribed use before issuing solicitations or awards, especially when templates or local forms are outdated.
Contractors should treat SF 330 as a critical marketing and qualification document; incomplete or inconsistent submissions can hurt selection chances even if the firm is otherwise capable.
Because the section points to FAR 36.702, users must check part 36 to confirm when A-E procedures apply and whether the acquisition is actually a fixed-price award or another arrangement.
A common pitfall is assuming the form alone satisfies all A-E procurement requirements; in reality, the form is only one part of the broader selection and award process under FAR part 36.
Official Regulatory Text
The following forms are prescribed for use in contracting for architect-engineer and related services: (a) SF 252 (Rev.10/23), Architect-Engineer Contract . SF 252 is prescribed for use in awarding fixed-price contracts for architect-engineer services, as specified in 36.702 (a). (b) SF 330 (Rev. Jul 2021), Architect-Engineer Qualifications . SF 330 is prescribed for use in obtaining information from architect-engineer firms regarding their professional qualifications, as specified in 36.702 (b)(1) and (b)(2).