FAR 9.100—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 9.100 is the scope statement for Subpart 9.1, and it tells readers what the subpart is about: the policies, standards, and procedures used to determine whether prospective contractors and subcontractors are responsible. In practice, this means the subpart governs the government’s preaward responsibility review process, including how contracting personnel decide whether a firm has the capability, integrity, and reliability needed to perform. The section does not itself list the responsibility factors; instead, it frames the entire subpart and signals that the rules apply both to prime contractors and, where relevant, subcontractors. Its purpose is to ensure the Government awards contracts only to firms that can reasonably be expected to perform successfully and in compliance with contract requirements. For contractors, this section matters because responsibility determinations can affect award eligibility even when price and technical factors are otherwise acceptable. For contracting officers, it establishes that responsibility is a required part of the award decision and must be handled under the standards and procedures in the rest of Subpart 9.1.
Key Rules
Subpart sets responsibility policy
This section establishes that Subpart 9.1 contains the Government’s policies, standards, and procedures for determining contractor responsibility. It is a scope provision, so it tells users what the subpart covers rather than setting out the detailed criteria itself.
Applies to prospective contractors
The responsibility framework applies to prospective contractors, meaning firms being considered for award. The Government uses these rules before award to decide whether a bidder or offeror is eligible for contract award.
Includes subcontractors too
The scope expressly includes subcontractors, not just prime contractors. This means responsibility concepts may also matter when the Government or the prime contractor needs to assess whether a subcontractor is suitable for the work.
Supports award eligibility decisions
The section exists to support the award decision by ensuring the Government only contracts with firms that meet responsibility standards. In practice, a negative responsibility determination can prevent award even if the offer is otherwise acceptable.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Use the policies, standards, and procedures in Subpart 9.1 to determine whether a prospective contractor is responsible before award. Apply the subpart consistently when evaluating whether a firm should receive the contract.
Agency
Follow the responsibility framework established by the subpart when conducting procurement actions. Ensure acquisition personnel use the proper standards and procedures for responsibility determinations.
Prospective Contractor
Be prepared to demonstrate responsibility in the areas addressed by the subpart when seeking award. Understand that eligibility for award depends not only on price and technical acceptability, but also on meeting responsibility standards.
Subcontractor
Where responsibility is assessed in connection with subcontracting, be prepared to satisfy the applicable standards relevant to the work. Provide information needed for responsibility-related review when required.
Practical Implications
This section is a roadmap, not the full test: it tells you where the responsibility rules live, so users must read the rest of Subpart 9.1 for the actual criteria and procedures.
Contracting officers should not treat responsibility as optional; it is a required preaward step that can stop an award if the offeror is not responsible.
Contractors should be ready to address responsibility issues early, especially if the procurement may involve financial capability, performance history, integrity, or subcontractor concerns.
A common pitfall is assuming that a technically acceptable proposal guarantees award; responsibility is a separate determination.
Because the scope includes subcontractors, prime contractors should pay attention to subcontractor suitability where the acquisition or contract structure makes that relevant.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart prescribes policies, standards, and procedures for determining whether prospective contractors and subcontractors are responsible.