A working guide to Federal Acquisition Regulations and the Defense FAR Supplement
Last reviewed on May 12, 2026.
The FAR is the primary regulation for use by all federal executive agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds.
The DFARS provides DoD-specific acquisition regulations that supplement the FAR when purchasing goods and services for defense purposes.
| Clause Number | Title | Key Requirements | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAR 52.203-13 | Contractor Code of Business Ethics | Written code of conduct, ethics training, internal controls | Contracts >$6M & >120 days |
| FAR 52.215-2 | Audit and Records | Maintain records for 3 years, allow government audits | Negotiated contracts |
| FAR 52.219-8 | Small Business Subcontracting Plan | Submit subcontracting plan with goals | Contracts >$750,000 |
| FAR 52.222-50 | Combating Trafficking in Persons | Compliance plan, awareness program, reporting | All contracts |
| FAR 52.225-1 | Buy American Act | Use of domestic end products | Supply contracts in US |
| FAR 52.227-14 | Rights in Data | Government data rights, marking requirements | R&D contracts |
Implement government-compliant business systems including accounting, purchasing, property management, and earned value management systems that meet DCAA and DCMA requirements. See DCAA compliance and accounting systems for what an "adequate" accounting system actually requires.
Develop a comprehensive matrix mapping all contract clauses to responsible parties, compliance procedures, and verification methods. Update for each new contract.
Conduct quarterly training on FAR/DFARS requirements, focusing on high-risk areas and recent changes. Document all training attendance and comprehension.
Establish regular internal audits to identify compliance gaps before external audits. Use findings to continuously improve processes and procedures.
Implement formal processes for flowing down requirements, verifying subcontractor compliance, and monitoring performance throughout the contract.
Maintain detailed records of all compliance activities, decisions, and communications. Implement retention policies that exceed minimum requirements.
Among the active topics under the FAR is Section 889 of the FY2019 NDAA, which prohibits federal agencies from procuring or using covered telecommunications equipment from specified manufacturers. The FAR clauses at 52.204-24, 52.204-25, and 52.204-26 implement the prohibition; the related SAM.gov representations apply at the entity level. See Section 889 compliance for the two prohibitions, what counts as covered equipment, and the representations contractors make.