A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Navigating the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

As a federal contractor, you’ll inevitably encounter the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), a critical framework in the government procurement process. This guide offers a foundational understanding of FAR and highlights its most significant elements to help you navigate compliance effectively.

What is the Federal Acquisition Regulation?

The Federal Acquisition Regulation is the cornerstone of government procurement, setting the rules for what costs can be charged to the government under a contract. It’s the principal regulation used by all Federal Executive agencies for acquiring goods and services with appropriated funds, as outlined on GSA.gov. FAR’s role is to ensure uniformity and consistency in the federal acquisition process, establishing clear guidelines for cost recovery, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses, including the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).