FAR 6.002—Limitations.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 6.002 is a short but important anti-circumvention rule in the competition requirements of FAR Part 6. It addresses one specific topic: when an agency may not place an order or contract with another agency for supplies or services if the real purpose is to avoid the competition requirements of Part 6. In practice, this means agencies cannot use interagency contracting, transfers, or similar arrangements as a workaround to bypass full and open competition, other-than-full-and-open-competition justifications, or other Part 6 procedures. The section protects the integrity of federal procurement by ensuring that the choice to buy from another agency is driven by legitimate acquisition needs, not by a desire to evade competition rules. For contracting officers and acquisition officials, it is a reminder to document the bona fide basis for interagency acquisitions and to ensure the transaction is authorized under applicable statutes, regulations, and agency procedures. For contractors, the practical effect is indirect: it helps preserve fair access to opportunities and reduces the risk that work will be steered through improper interagency channels.
Key Rules
No avoidance of Part 6
An agency may not contract with another agency for supplies or services if the purpose is to avoid the requirements of FAR Part 6. The prohibition is based on intent: if the interagency arrangement is used as a workaround to evade competition rules, it is not permitted.
Legitimate interagency buying allowed
The rule does not prohibit all purchases from other agencies. Agencies may still use authorized interagency contracting arrangements when there is a valid procurement basis and the transaction complies with applicable law and regulation.
Purpose matters
The key question is why the agency is using another agency as the contracting vehicle. If the arrangement is driven by legitimate efficiency, expertise, statutory authority, or mission need, it may be permissible; if it is chosen to sidestep Part 6, it violates this section.
Part 6 protections remain in force
This limitation reinforces that the competition requirements of FAR Part 6 cannot be avoided simply by routing a requirement through another federal agency. Agencies must still consider and satisfy the applicable competition framework unless a valid exception applies.
Responsibilities
Agency
Must not use another agency as the contracting vehicle for the purpose of avoiding FAR Part 6 requirements. The agency must ensure any interagency acquisition has a legitimate basis and complies with applicable procurement authority and procedures.
Contracting Officer
Must evaluate the real purpose and legal basis for the interagency action, avoid structuring acquisitions to evade competition rules, and ensure the file supports the legitimacy of the chosen contracting method.
Acquisition Officials / Program Officials
Must identify the actual procurement need and work with contracting personnel to select an authorized acquisition strategy that is not designed to bypass competition requirements.
Oversight / Review Officials
Must scrutinize interagency acquisitions for signs of circumvention and ensure the transaction is properly justified, documented, and consistent with procurement policy.
Practical Implications
Agencies cannot use another agency as a shortcut around competition requirements; the arrangement must have a real, lawful acquisition purpose.
A weak or missing rationale for using an interagency vehicle is a red flag, especially if the same requirement could have been competed directly.
Contract files should clearly show why the interagency approach was chosen and how it complies with applicable authority, not just that it was convenient.
This rule helps prevent improper steering of work and protects competition, but it does not eliminate legitimate interagency contracting tools.
Contractors should be aware that interagency arrangements may be challenged if they appear designed to avoid competition, which can affect timing, protest risk, and award stability.
Official Regulatory Text
No agency shall contract for supplies or services from another agency for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this part.