One rulebook, plus a defense layer
The Federal Acquisition Regulations System sets uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by all executive agencies 1. The Department of Defense adds its own layer: DoD implementation and supplementation of the FAR is issued in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, the DFARS 2. The DFARS is codified under chapter 2 of Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations 3.
The DFARS is built to sit beside the FAR, not to replace it. Agency supplements must parallel the FAR in format, arrangement and numbering 4, so DFARS text takes the FAR number it relates to with a 2 in front: DFARS text supplementing FAR 19.501 is numbered 219.501-70 5. Supplementary material with no FAR counterpart is numbered 70 and up 6.
Clause numbers follow the same logic. DFARS provisions and clauses use a four-digit sequential number in the 7000 series 7, while department or agency supplemental provisions and clauses use four-digit numbers in the 9000 series 8. So a number like 252.2xx-7xxx is a DFARS clause, and a -9xxx suffix points you to a department supplement, the subject of the next lesson.
Where the DFARS shows up in a solicitation
A solicitation can list a clause by number and title instead of printing it. A clause incorporated by reference has the same force and effect as if it were given in full text 9, so a one-line citation in the clause list can carry pages of obligations.
Each DFARS clause tells you where to find the rule for its use. DFARS 252.204-7012 opens with "As prescribed in 204.7304(c), use the following clause" 10, which sends you to the DFARS section that governs when the clause is included. Once it is in your contract, that clause requires you to provide adequate security on all covered contractor information systems 11.
Some DFARS clauses change how you run the business day to day. Under DFARS 252.232-7003, unless an exception in the clause applies, the contractor submits payment requests and receiving reports in electronic form using Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) 12. If you have never invoiced a defense customer, set that up before your first delivery, not after.
Practise on real defense work
Bids2Bank's Find Opportunities search looks at SAM.gov notices and DLA's DIBBS requests for quotation together 13, and one search can name up to 10 Federal Supply Class or product and service codes 14. Open three defense notices in your field and make the clause list above for each.
Worked example. Contractor E, a machine shop new to defense work, opens a solicitation from a military buying office. In the clause list it finds four numbers in the 252.2xx-7xxx pattern, several FAR 52.2xx clauses and one clause ending in -9xxx. It reads the four DFARS clauses in full, notes that the -9xxx clause comes from a department supplement, and sends one written question about the invoicing clause before the question deadline.
Search SAM.gov and DIBBS together →
Indented paragraphs are invented worked examples. Tool links open Bids2Bank and need a free account.
Next lesson: Military department supplements: Air Force, Army and Navy