FAR 9.301—Definition.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 9.301 is a narrow definition provision in Subpart 9.3 that explains what the term “approval” means in the context of first article testing. Specifically, it states that approval is the contracting officer’s written notification to the contractor accepting the test results of the first article. This definition matters because it clarifies that approval is not informal agreement, oral acceptance, or a technical team’s recommendation; it is a formal contracting officer action communicated in writing. In practice, the definition establishes the point at which the government has accepted the first article test results for purposes of moving forward under the contract, and it helps avoid disputes over whether testing has been completed satisfactorily. Because the term is limited to this subpart, it should be read as a specialized definition rather than a general FAR-wide meaning of approval.
Key Rules
Approval is written notice
For this subpart, approval exists only when the contracting officer gives written notification to the contractor. Oral statements, emails without clear formal notice, or internal government concurrence do not substitute for the required written action.
Contracting officer must act
The definition assigns the approval function to the contracting officer, not to inspectors, technical personnel, or program staff. The contracting officer is the official who communicates acceptance of the first article test results.
Approval means acceptance of test results
The written notification must accept the first article test results. The focus is on the results of the first article test, not on broader contract performance, delivery status, or final acceptance of all supplies.
Definition is subpart-specific
The meaning applies only as used in this subpart. Users should not assume the same definition controls other FAR parts or contract clauses unless those provisions expressly use or incorporate it.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Issue the written notification that accepts the first article test results when approval is warranted under the applicable contract terms and procedures.
Contractor
Await the contracting officer’s written approval as the formal confirmation that first article test results have been accepted, and rely on that notice before treating the first article requirement as satisfied.
Technical/Inspection Personnel
Evaluate or report on the first article test results as needed, but recognize that their findings do not constitute approval unless the contracting officer issues the written notification.
Practical Implications
Contractors should not assume first article approval has occurred until they receive a written notice from the contracting officer.
Government teams should route test results through the proper contracting channel so the contracting officer can issue the formal approval notice.
A common pitfall is treating technical concurrence or informal communications as approval; under this definition, they are not enough.
The written approval notice can be important for schedule, production release, and payment-related milestones tied to first article testing.
Because the definition is limited to this subpart, users should check the specific contract clause and related FAR provisions to understand the full effect of approval in a given procurement.
Official Regulatory Text
Approval , as used in this subpart, means the contracting officer’s written notification to the contractor accepting the test results of the first article.