FAR 53.251—Contractor use of Government supply sources (OF 347).
Plain-English Summary
FAR 53.251 is a very narrow prescription that tells contractors when they may use Standard Form/Optional Form 347, Order for Supplies or Services, to obtain supplies from a Government source. This section specifically addresses contractor requisitions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and ties that use to the authority in FAR 51.102(e)(3)(ii). In practice, it means OF 347 is not a general-purpose contractor ordering form for all Government supply sources; its use here is limited to the VA context identified by the FAR. The section also cross-references FAR 53.213(f), which prescribes OF 347, so users must read this provision together with the form prescription and the contractor-use rules in FAR Part 51. The practical significance is that contractors and contracting officers must confirm both the source of supply and the applicable authorization before using the form, because improper use can create ordering, payment, or compliance problems.
Key Rules
OF 347 is the prescribed form
OF 347, Order for Supplies or Services, is the form identified in FAR 53.213(f). This section confirms that the form may be used in the limited circumstance described here, rather than creating a broad new ordering authority.
Use is limited to VA requisitions
Contractors may use OF 347 when requisitioning from the Department of Veterans Affairs, as specified in FAR 51.102(e)(3)(ii). The rule is source-specific, so it does not authorize contractor use of OF 347 for other Government supply sources unless another rule separately allows it.
Cross-reference controls the authority
The operative authority comes from the contractor-use provisions in FAR Part 51, especially FAR 51.102(e)(3)(ii). Users must follow that provision to determine when contractor requisitioning is allowed and what conditions apply.
No general contractor ordering authority
This section does not itself grant contractors a general right to order from Government supply sources. It only identifies one approved use case for OF 347, so any other use must be supported by a different FAR provision or agency-specific authority.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Ensure the contractor’s use of OF 347 is limited to the VA requisition scenario authorized by FAR 51.102(e)(3)(ii). Verify that the ordering method is appropriate for the acquisition and that any required approvals, controls, or documentation under Part 51 are satisfied.
Contractor
Use OF 347 only when requisitioning from the VA and only when the contractor-use authority in FAR 51.102(e)(3)(ii) applies. Confirm that the requisition is properly authorized and that the form is completed and submitted in accordance with applicable procedures.
Department of Veterans Affairs / Supply Source Activity
Accept contractor requisitions on OF 347 only within the scope permitted by the FAR and any internal VA procedures. Process the requisition consistent with the applicable supply-source rules and any required controls.
Agency Acquisition Personnel
Apply the FAR 53.213(f) prescription and the Part 51 contractor-use rules together, and avoid treating OF 347 as a universal ordering document. Provide guidance to contractors and contracting officers on when the form is appropriate.
Practical Implications
This is a narrow, cross-referenced rule, so users should not rely on the text alone; they must also review FAR 51.102(e)(3)(ii) and any VA procedures before using OF 347.
A common pitfall is assuming that because OF 347 is a Government form, any contractor can use it to order from any Government supply source. That is not what this section says.
Contracting officers should document the basis for allowing contractor requisitions from the VA to avoid disputes over authority or payment.
Contractors should confirm the supply source is actually the VA and that the requisition falls within the permitted contractor-use scenario before submitting the form.
Because the section is so limited, any deviation from the VA-specific use case should be treated as requiring separate legal or acquisition review.
Official Regulatory Text
OF 347 , Order for Supplies or Services . OF 347 , prescribed in 53.213 (f) , may be used by contractors when requisitioning from the VA, as specified in 51.102 (e)(3)(ii).