FAR 7.502—Applicability.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 7.502 explains the scope of the service-contracting policies in this subpart. It says these requirements apply to all contracts for services, which means agencies and contracting personnel must use the subpart whenever they are acquiring services under a contract vehicle. It also identifies important exclusions: services obtained through personnel appointments, advisory committees, and personal services contracts issued under statutory authority are not covered. In practice, this section tells contracting officials when the subpart’s rules must be followed and when a different legal framework governs the relationship. Its purpose is to prevent misapplication of service-contracting rules to arrangements that are handled by separate personnel, advisory, or statutory authorities.
Key Rules
Applies to service contracts
The subpart’s requirements apply to all contracts for services. If the acquisition is a service contract, the contracting team must look to this subpart for the governing requirements.
Excludes personnel appointments
Services obtained through personnel appointments are outside the scope of this subpart. Those arrangements are governed by personnel authorities rather than service-contracting rules.
Excludes advisory committees
Services obtained through advisory committees are also excluded. The agency must treat those arrangements under the rules that specifically authorize and regulate advisory committees.
Excludes statutory personal services
Personal services contracts issued under statutory authority are not covered by this subpart. If a statute authorizes the personal services arrangement, that statutory framework controls instead of this subpart.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the acquisition is a contract for services covered by this subpart or an excluded arrangement. Apply the subpart’s requirements to covered service contracts and avoid using it for personnel appointments, advisory committees, or statutorily authorized personal services contracts.
Acquisition Team
Identify the correct legal authority for the service need before selecting the acquisition approach. Ensure the file reflects why the arrangement is covered by this subpart or why an exclusion applies.
Agency
Use the proper governing framework for the type of service relationship being created. Do not rely on this subpart when the service is being obtained through personnel, advisory, or statutory personal-services authorities.
Practical Implications
This section is a scope rule, so the first practical question is always whether the requirement is a service contract covered by the subpart or one of the listed exclusions.
A common pitfall is treating a personnel or advisory arrangement like a procurement contract, which can create legal and administrative errors.
Another risk is misclassifying a personal services relationship; if a statute authorizes it, the contracting officer must follow that authority rather than the general service-contract rules.
Contract files should clearly document the basis for coverage or exclusion so reviewers can see why the subpart was or was not applied.
For contractors, this section matters because it signals that the subpart’s requirements may apply broadly to service procurements, but not to noncontractual or specially authorized service relationships.
Official Regulatory Text
The requirements of this subpart apply to all contracts for services. This subpart does not apply to services obtained through either personnel appointments, advisory committees, or personal services contracts issued under statutory authority.