This part--
(a) Gives instructions for using provisions and clauses in solicitations and/or contracts;
(b) Sets forth the solicitation provisions and contract clauses prescribed by this regulation; and
(c) Presents a matrix listing the FAR provisions and clauses applicable to each principal contract type and/or purpose (e.g., fixed-price supply, cost-reimbursement research and development).
This subpart (a) gives instructions for using Part 52, including the explanation and use of provision and clause numbers, prescriptions, prefaces, and the matrix; (b) prescribes procedures for incorporating, identifying, and modifying provisions and clauses in solicitations and contracts, and for using alternates; and (c) describes the derivation of FAR provisions and clauses.
(a) Definitions.
"Alternate'' means a substantive variation of a basic provision or clause prescribed for use in a defined circumstance. It (1) adds wording to, (2) deletes wording from, or (3) substitutes specified wording for a portion of the basic provision or clause. The alternate version of a provision or clause is the basic provision or clause as changed by the addition, deletion, or substitution (see 52.105(a)).
"Contract clause" or "clause" means a term or condition used in contracts or in both solicitations and contracts, and applying after contract award or both before and after award.
"Modification," as used in this subpart, means a minor change in the details of a provision or clause that is specifically authorized by the FAR and does not alter the substance of the provision or clause (see 52.104).
"Solicitation provision" or "provision" means a term or condition used only in solicitations and applying only before contract award.
"Substantially as follows" or "substantially the same as," when used in the prescription and preface of a provision or clause, means that authorization is granted to prepare and utilize a variation of that provision or clause to accommodate requirements that are peculiar to an individual acquisition; provided, that the variation includes the salient features of the FAR provision or clause, and is not inconsistent with the intent, principle, and substance of the FAR provision or clause or related coverage of the subject matter.
(b) Numbering--(1) FAR provisions and clauses. Subpart 52.2 sets forth the text of all FAR provisions and clauses, each in its own separate subsection. The subpart is arranged by subject matter, in the same order as, and keyed to, the parts of the FAR. Each FAR provision or clause is uniquely identified. All FAR provision and clause numbers begin with "52.2," since the text of all FAR provisions and clauses appear in Subpart 52.2. The next two digits of the provision or clause number correspond to the number of the FAR subject part in which the provision or clause is prescribed. The FAR provision or clause number is then completed by a hyphen and a sequential number assigned within each section of Subpart 52.2. The following example illustrates the makeup of the FAR provision or clause number (see Figure 1 below).
(2)(i) Provisions or clauses that supplement the FAR. Provisions or clauses that supplement the FAR are--
(A) Prescribed and included in authorized agency acquisition regulations issued within an agency to satisfy the specific needs of the agency as a whole;
(B) Prescribed and included in a regulation issued by a suborganization of an agency to satisfy the needs of that particular suborganization; or
(C) Developed for use at a suborganizational level of an agency, not meant for repetitive use, but intended to meet the needs of an individual acquisition and, thus, impractical to include in either an agency or suborganization acquisition regulation. (See 1.301(c).)
(ii) Supplemental provisions or clauses published in agency acquisition regulations shall be in full text and the prescription for the use of each shall be included. Supplemental provisions or clauses published in agency acquisition regulations shall be numbered in the same manner in which FAR provisions and clauses are numbered except that--
(A) If it is included in an agency acquisition regulation that is published in the Federal Register and is codified in Title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (48 CFR), the number shall be preceded by the chapter number within 48 CFR assigned by the CFR staff; and
(B) The sequential number shall be "70" or a higher number (see 1.303).
(iii) The sequential number at the end of the number of a provision or clause that supplements the FAR, like its counterpart at the end of any FAR provision or clause number, indicates the subsection location of the provision or clause in Subpart 52.2 of the agency acquisition regulation
that contains its full text. If, for example, an agency acquisition regulation contains only one provision followed by only one clause supplementing the FAR in its section 52.236 (Construction and Architect-Engineer Contracts), then the sequential numbers would be "70" for the provision and "71" for the clause.
(c) Prescriptions. Each provision or clause in Subpart 52.2 is prescribed at that place in the FAR text where the subject matter of the provision or clause receives its primary treatment. The prescription includes all conditions, requirements, and instructions for using the provision or clause and its alternates, if any. The provision or clause may be referred to in other FAR locations.
(d) Prefaces. Within Subpart 52.2, each provision or clause is prefaced with--
(1) A cross-reference to the location in the FAR subject text that prescribes its use; and
(2) Directions for inserting it in solicitations and/or contracts.
(e) Matrix. (1) The matrix in Subpart 52.3 contains a column for each principal type and/or purpose of contract (e.g., fixed-price supply, cost reimbursement research and development). The matrix lists the--
(i) Required solicitation provisions;
(ii) Required-when-applicable solicitation provisions;
(iii) Optional solicitation provisions;
(iv) Required contract clauses;
(v) Required-when-applicable contract clauses; and
(vi) Optional contract clauses.
(2) For each provision or clause listed, the matrix provides information on--
(i) Whether incorporation by reference is or is not authorized (see 52.102);
(ii) The section of the Uniform Contract Format (UCF) in which it is to be located, if it is used in an acquisition that is subject to the UCF;
(iii) Its number;
(iv) The citation of the FAR text that prescribes its use; and
(v) Its title.
(3) Since the matrix does not provide sufficient information to determine the applicability of a provision or clause in the "required-when-applicable" and "optional" categories, contracting officers shall refer to the FAR text (cited in the matrix) that prescribes its use.
(4) The FAR matrix may be reproduced at agency levels, and at subordinate levels, for the purpose of supplementing it with agency-developed provisions and clauses. The resulting consolidated matrices may be included in agency acquisition regulations.
(f) Dates. Since they are subject to revision from time to time, all provisions, clauses, and alternates are dated; e.g., (Dec 1983). To avoid questions concerning which version of any provision, clause, or alternate is operative in any given solicitation or contract, its date shall be included whether it is incorporated by reference or in full text.
(a) Provisions and clauses should be incorporated by reference to the maximum practical extent, rather than being incorporated in full text, even if they--
(1) Are used with one or more alternates or on an optional basis;
(2) Are prescribed on a "substantially as follows" or "substantially the same as" basis, provided they are used verbatim;
(3) Require modification or the insertion by the Government of fill-in material (see 52.104); or
(4) Require completion by the offeror or prospective contractor. This instruction also applies to provisions completed as annual representations and certifications.
(b) Except for provisions and clauses prescribed in 52.107, any provision or clause that can be accessed electronically by the offeror or prospective contractor may be incorporated by reference in solicitations and/or contracts. However, the contracting officer, upon request, shall provide the full text of any provision or clause incorporated by reference.
(c) Agency approved provisions and clauses prescribed in agency acquisition regulations, and provisions and clauses not authorized by Subpart 52.3 to be incorporated by reference, need not be incorporated in full text, provided the contracting officer includes in the solicitation and contract a statement that--
(1) Identifies all provisions and clauses that require completion by the offeror or prospective contractor;
(2) Specifies that the provisions and clauses must be completed by the offeror or prospective contractor and must be submitted with the quotation or offer; and
(3) Identifies to the offeror or prospective contractor at least one electronic address where the full text may be accessed.
(d) An agency may develop a group listing of provisions and clauses that apply to a specific category of contracts. An agency group listing may be incorporated by reference in solicitations and/or contracts in lieu of citing the provisions and clauses individually, provided the group listing is made available electronically to offerors and prospective contractors.
(e) A provision or clause that is not available electronically to offerors and prospective contractors shall be incorporated in solicitations and/or contracts in full text if it is--
(1) A FAR provision or clause that otherwise is not authorized to be incorporated by reference (see Subpart 52.3); or
(2) A provision or clause prescribed for use in an agency acquisition regulation.
(f) Provisions or clauses may not be incorporated by reference by being listed in the--
(1) Provision at 52.252-3, Alterations in Solicitations; or
(2) Clause at 52.252-4, Alterations in Contract.
(a) Whenever any FAR provision or clause is used without deviation in a solicitation or contract, whether it is incorporated by reference or in full text, it shall be identified by number, title, and date. This identification shall also be used if the FAR provision or clause is used with an authorized deviation, except that the contracting officer shall then insert "(DEVIATION)" after the date. Solicited firms and contractors will be advised of the meaning of this insertion through the use of the (1) provision at 52.252-5, Authorized Deviations in Provisions, or (2) clause at 52.252-6, Authorized Deviations in Clauses. The above mentioned provision and clause are prescribed in 52.107(e) and (f).
(b) Any provision or clause that supplements the FAR whether it is incorporated by reference or in full text shall be clearly identified by number, title, date, and name of the regulation. When a supplemental provision or clause is used with an authorized deviation, insert "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.
(c) A provision or clause of the type described in 52.101(b)(2)(i)(C) shall be identified by the title, date, and the name of the agency or suborganization within the agency that developed it.
(d) Except for provisions or clauses covered by 52.103(c), the following hypothetical examples illustrate how a provision or clause that supplements the FAR shall be identified when it is incorporated in solicitations and/or contracts by reference or in full text:
(1) If Part 14 (Sealed Bidding) of the X Agency Acquisition Regulation, published in the Federal Register and codified as Chapter 99 in 48 CFR, prescribes the use of a provision entitled "Bid Envelopes," dated October 1983, and that provision is sequentially the first provision or clause appearing in Section 52.214 of the X Agency Acquisition Regulation, then the identification of that provision shall be "9952.214-70--Bid Envelopes (Oct 1983)."
(2) Assume that Y, a major organizational element of the X Agency, is authorized to issue the Y Acquisition Regulation, which is not published in the Federal Register and codified in 48 CFR. If Part 36 (Construction and Architect-Engineer Contracts) of the Y Acquisition Regulation prescribes the use of a clause entitled "Refrigerated Display Cases," dated March 1983, pertaining to a specialized type of construction work, and that clause is sequentially the second provision or clause appearing in Section 52.236 of the Y Acquisition Regulation, then the identification of that clause shall be "52.236-71--Refrigerated Display Cases (Mar 1983)--Y Acquisition Regulation."
(a) Provisions and clauses shall not be modified unless the FAR authorizes their modification. Any such authorizations are contained in the provision or clause preface in Subpart 52.2; for example--
(1) "In the following clause, the stated 60-day period may be varied from 30 to 90 days;" or
(2) "Task Order" or other appropriate designation may be substituted for "Schedule" wherever that word appears in the clause.''
(b) When modifying provisions or clauses incorporated by reference, insert the changed wording directly below the title of the provision or clause identifying to the lowest level necessary (e.g., paragraph, sentence, word), to clearly indicate what is being modified.
(c) When modifying provisions or clauses incorporated in full text, modify the language directly by substituting the changed wording as permitted.
(d) When completing blanks in provisions or clauses incorporated by reference, insert the fill-in information directly below the title of the provision or clause identifying to the lowest level necessary to clearly indicate the blanks being filled in.
(e) When completing blanks in provisions or clauses incorporated in full text, insert the fill-in information in the blanks of the provision or clause.
(a) A major variation in a provision or clause is accommodated by use of an alternate. All alternates to a given provision or clause are prescribed at the point in the FAR subject text where the provision or clause is itself prescribed. The alternates to each provision or clause are titled "Alternate I," "Alternate II," "Alternate III," and so on. In Subpart 52.2, the instructions for using these alternates appear after the basic provision or clause. A statement of the manner of and conditions for its use is given for each alternate. This statement shall be read in conjunction with the preface to the provision or clause.
(b) When an alternate is used, its date shall be cited along with the date of the basic provision or clause; e.g., 52.209-3 First Article Approval--Contractor Testing (Oct 1983)--Alternate I (Dec 1983).
(c) Under certain circumstances, a provision or clause may be used with two or more alternates. In these circumstances, each of the applicable alternates shall be cited, whether incorporated by reference or in full text; e.g., 52.209-3 First Article Approval--Contractor Testing (Oct 1983)--Alternate I (Dec 1983) and Alternate II (Feb 1984). However, under no circumstances may an alternate to a specific provision or clause be applied to any other provision or clause.
(a) The contracting officer shall insert the provision at 52.252-1, Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference, in solicitations in order to incorporate provisions by reference.
(b) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.252-2, Clauses Incorporated by Reference, in solicitations and contracts in order to incorporate clauses by reference.
(c) The contracting officer shall insert the provision at 52.252-3, Alterations in Solicitation, in solicitations in order to revise or supplement, as necessary, other parts of the solicitation that apply to the solicitation phase only, except for any provision authorized for use with a deviation.
(d) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.252-4, Alterations in Contract, in solicitations and contracts in order to revise or supplement, as necessary, other parts of the contract, or parts of the solicitations that apply to the contract phase, except for any clause authorized for use with a deviation.
(e) The contracting officer shall insert the provision at 52.252-5, Authorized Deviations in Provisions, in solicitations that include any FAR or supplemental provision with an authorized deviation. Whenever any FAR or supplemental provision is used with an authorized deviation, the contracting officer shall identify it by the same number, title, and date assigned to the provision when it is used without deviation, include regulation name for any supplemental provision, except that the contracting officer shall insert "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the provision.
(f) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.252-6, Authorized Deviations in Clauses, in solicitations and contracts that include any FAR or supplemental clause with an authorized deviation. Whenever any FAR or supplemental clause is used with an authorized deviation, the contracting officer shall identify it by the same number, title, and date assigned to the clause when it is used without deviation, include regulation name for any supplemental clause, except that the contracting officer shall insert "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.
This subpart sets forth the text of all FAR provisions and clauses (see 52.101(b)(1)), and for each provision and clause, gives (a) a cross-reference to the location in the FAR that prescribes its use, and (b) directions for including it in solicitations and/or contracts.
As prescribed in Subpart 2.2, insert the following clause:
Definitions (Oct 1995)
(a) "Head of the agency" (also called "agency head") or "Secretary" means the Secretary (or Attorney General, Administrator, Governor, Chairperson, or other chief official, as appropriate) of the agency, including any deputy or assistant chief official of the agency; and the term "authorized representative" means any person, persons, or board (other than the Contracting Officer) authorized to act for the head of the agency or Secretary.
(b) "Commercial component" means any component that is a commercial item.
(c) "Commercial item" means--
(1) Any item, other than real property, that is of a type customarily used for nongovernmental purposes and that--
(i) Has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public; or
(ii) Has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public;
(2) Any item that evolved from an item described in paragraph (c)(1) of this clause through advances in technology or performance and that is not yet available in the commercial marketplace, but will be available in the commercial marketplace in time to satisfy the delivery requirements under a Government solicitation;
(3) Any item that would satisfy a criterion expressed in paragraphs (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this clause, but for--
(i) Modifications of a type customarily available in the commercial marketplace; or
(ii) Minor modifications of a type not customarily available in the commercial marketplace made to meet Federal Government requirements. "Minor" modifications means modifications that do not significantly alter the nongovernmental function or essential physical characteristics of an item or component, or change the purpose of a process. Factors to be considered in determining whether a modification is minor include the value and size of the modification and the comparative value and size of the final product. Dollar values and percentages may be used as guideposts, but are not conclusive evidence that a modification is minor;
(4) Any combination of items meeting the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1), (2), (3), or (5) of this clause that are of a type customarily combined and sold in combination to the general public;
(5) Installation services, maintenance services, repair services, training services, and other services if such services are procured for support of an item referred to in paragraphs (c)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this clause, and if the source of such services--
(i) Offers such services to the general public and the Federal Government contemporaneously and under similar terms and conditions; and
(ii) Offers to use the same work force for providing the Federal Government with such services as the source uses for providing such services to the general public;
(6) Services of a type offered and sold competitively in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace based on established catalog or market prices for specific tasks performed under standard commercial terms and conditions. This does not include services that are sold based on hourly rates without an established catalog or market price for a specific service performed;
(7) Any item, combination of items, or service referred to in subparagraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6), notwithstanding the fact that the item, combination of items, or service is transferred between or among separate divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of a Contractor; or
(8) A nondevelopmental item, if the procuring agency determines the item was developed exclusively at private expense and sold in substantial quantities, on a competitive basis, to multiple State and local Governments.
(d) "Component" means any item supplied to the Federal Government as part of an end item or of another component.
(e) "Nondevelopmental item" means--
(1) Any previously developed item of supply used exclusively for governmental purposes by a Federal agency, a State or local government, or a foreign government with which the United States has a mutual defense cooperation agreement;
(2) Any item described in paragraph (e)(1) of this definition that requires only minor modification or modifications of a type customarily available in the commercial marketplace in order to meet the requirements of the procuring department or agency; or
(3) Any item of supply being produced that does not meet the requirements of paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) solely because the item is not yet in use.
(f) "Contracting Officer" means a person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the Contracting Officer.
(g) Except as otherwise provided in this contract, the term "subcontracts" includes, but is not limited to, purchase orders and changes and modifications to purchase orders under this contract.
(End of clause)
Alternate I (Apr 1984). If the contract is for personal services; construction; architect-engineer services; or dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements, delete paragraph (c) of the basic clause.
As prescribed in 3.103-1, insert the following provision. If the solicitation is a Request for Quotations, the terms "Quotation" and "Quoter" may be substituted for "Offer" and "Offeror."
Certificate of Independent Price Determination (Apr 1985)
(a) The offeror certifies that--
(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor relating to--
(i) Those prices;
(ii) The intention to submit an offer;, or
(iii) The methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered.
(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other offeror or competitor before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a negotiated solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and
(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.
(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory--
(1) Is the person in the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in this bid or proposal, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision; or
(2)(i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the following principals in certifying that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision ____________________ [insert full name of person(s) in the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices offered in this bid or proposal, and the title of his or her position in the offeror's organization];
(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals named in subdivision (b)(2)(i) of this provision have not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision; and
(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision.
(c) If the offeror deletes or modifies subparagraph (a)(2) of this provision, the offeror must furnish with its offer a signed statement setting forth in detail the circumstances of the disclosure.
(End of provision)
As prescribed in 3.202, insert the following clause:
Gratuities (Apr 1984)
(a) The right of the Contractor to proceed may be terminated by written notice if, after notice and hearing, the agency head or a designee determines that the Contractor, its agent, or another representative--
(1) Offered or gave a gratuity (e.g., an entertainment or gift) to an officer, official, or employee of the Government; and
(2) Intended, by the gratuity, to obtain a contract or favorable treatment under a contract.
(b) The facts supporting this determination may be reviewed by any court having lawful jurisdiction.
(c) If this contract is terminated under paragraph (a) of this clause, the Government is entitled--
(1) To pursue the same remedies as in a breach of the contract; and
(2) In addition to any other damages provided by law, to exemplary damages of not less than 3 nor more than 10 times the cost incurred by the Contractor in giving gratuities to the person concerned, as determined by the agency head or a designee. (This subparagraph (c)(2) is applicable only if this contract uses money appropriated to the Department of Defense.)
(d) The rights and remedies of the Government provided in this clause shall not be exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this contract.
(End of clause)
As prescribed in 3.404, insert the following clause:
Covenant Against Contingent Fees (Apr 1984)
(a) The Contractor warrants that no person or agency has been employed or retained to solicit or obtain this contract upon an agreement or understanding for a contingent fee, except a bona fide employee or agency. For breach or violation of this warranty, the Government shall have the right to annul this contract without liability or, in its discretion, to deduct from the contract price or consideration, or otherwise recover, the full amount of the contingent fee.
(b) "Bona fide agency," as used in this clause, means an established commercial or selling agency, maintained by a contractor for the purpose of securing business, that neither exerts nor proposes to exert improper influence to solicit or obtain Government contracts nor holds itself out as being able to obtain any Government contract or contracts through improper influence.
"Bona fide employee," as used in this clause, means a person, employed by a contractor and subject to the contractor's supervision and control as to time, place, and manner of performance, who neither exerts nor proposes to exert improper influence to solicit or obtain Government contracts nor holds out as being able to obtain any Government contract or contracts through improper influence.
"Contingent fee," as used in this clause, means any commission, percentage, brokerage, or other fee that is contingent upon the success that a person or concern has in securing a Government contract.
"Improper influence," as used in this clause, means any influence that induces or tends to induce a Government employee or officer to give consideration or to act regarding a Government contract on any basis other than the merits of the matter.
(End of clause)
As prescribed in 3.503-2, insert the following clause:
Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jul 1995)
(a) Except as provided in (b) of this clause, the Contractor shall not enter into any agreement with an actual or prospective subcontractor, nor otherwise act in any manner, which has or may have the effect of restricting sales by such subcontractors directly to the Government of any item or process (including computer software) made or furnished by the subcontractor under this contract or under any follow-on production contract.
(b) The prohibition in (a) of this clause does not preclude the Contractor from asserting rights that are otherwise authorized by law or regulation.
(c) The Contractor agrees to incorporate the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts under this contract which exceed $100,000.
(End of clause)
Alternate I (Oct 1995). As prescribed in 3.503-2, substitute the following paragraph in place of paragraph (b) of the basic clause:
(b) The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this clause does not preclude the Contractor from asserting rights that are otherwise authorized by law or regulation. For acquisitions of commercial items, the prohibition in paragraph (a) applies only to the extent that any agreement restricting sales by subcontractors results in the Federal Government being treated differently from any other prospective purchaser for the sale of the commercial item(s).
As prescribed in 3.502-3
Subpart 52.1--Instructions for Using Provisions and Clauses
52.100 Scope of subpart.
52.101 Using Part 52.
52.102 Incorporating provisions and clauses.
52.103 Identification of provisions and clauses.
52.104 Procedures for modifying and completing provisions and clauses.
52.105 Procedures for using alternates.
52.106 [Reserved]
52.107 Provisions and clauses prescribed in Subpart 52.1.
Subpart 52.2--Text of Provisions and Clauses
52.200 Scope of subpart.
52.201 [Reserved]
52.202-1 Definitions.
52.203-1 [Reserved]
52.203-2 Certificate of Independent Price Determination.
52.203-3 Gratuities.
52.203-4 [Reserved]
52.203-5 Covenant Against Contingent Fees.
52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government.
52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures.
