Why Part 51 Matters

Authorization to use government supply sources can significantly reduce contractor costs through access to government pricing. However, the authorization must be carefully limited and controlled to prevent abuse. Contractors must comply with all applicable regulations governing the government source and cannot use authorized items for non-government purposes. Government fleet vehicle use must be specifically authorized and controlled.

Key Topics in Part 51

FAR Part 51 addresses several critical areas of the federal acquisition process. Understanding these topics is essential for both contracting officers and contractors working within this regulatory framework.

• Authorization to use government supply sources (Subpart 51.1)
• Government supply source limitations and controls
• Interagency fleet management system vehicles (Subpart 51.2)
• Contracting officer authorization requirements
• Prohibited uses of government sources

How FAR Part 51 Applies

The Federal Acquisition Regulation is organized into 53 parts, each covering a distinct area of the procurement process. Part 51 (Use of Government Sources by Contractors) is part of this framework and works in conjunction with other FAR parts to create a comprehensive regulatory structure. Contracting officers must comply with all applicable parts when executing procurement actions, and contractors must understand the requirements that flow from these regulations into their contracts.

The requirements in Part 51 may be implemented through specific contract clauses prescribed in FAR Part 52. When a clause references Part 51, the substantive requirements originate here, while Part 52 provides the actual clause language incorporated into contracts and solicitations.

Subparts

FAR Part 51 is divided into 2 subparts, each addressing a specific aspect of use of government sources by contractors.

• 51.1 — Contractor Use of Government Supply Sources
• 51.2 — Contractor Use of Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS)

Reading FAR Part 51

The full text of FAR Part 51 is available on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The eCFR provides the most current version of the regulation, including any recent amendments published through Federal Acquisition Circulars (FACs). For historical versions, use the eCFR's point-in-time search feature.

• What does FAR Part 51 cover?

  FAR Part 51 covers use of government sources by contractors within the federal acquisition process. FAR Part 51 addresses the use of government sources by contractors, including authorization for contractors to use government supply sources (Subpart 51.1) and contractor use of interagency fleet management system (IFMS) vehicles (Subpart 51.2). It establishes the conditions and procedures under which contractors may be authorized to obtain supplies and services from government sources, typically when it is in the government's interest.

• Who must comply with FAR Part 51?

  FAR Part 51 applies to all executive branch agencies conducting acquisitions, unless a specific exemption exists. Contractors must comply with the requirements that are incorporated into their contracts through prescribed clauses from FAR Part 52. Agency-specific supplements (DFARS, GSAM, etc.) may add additional requirements beyond the base FAR.

• Where can I read the full text of FAR Part 51?

  The full text is available on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). You can also access it through acquisition.gov, which is maintained by the General Services Administration. Both sources reflect the most current version of the regulation.

• How does FAR Part 51 relate to contract clauses?

  FAR Part 51 establishes the substantive policies and procedures. The actual clause language that gets incorporated into contracts is found in FAR Part 52. Each clause in Part 52 includes a "prescription" that references the relevant policy part, creating a direct link between the requirement and its implementation in the contract.