Why Part 8 Matters

Agencies must follow the priority sources before conducting open-market procurements. Federal Supply Schedule orders under Subpart 8.4 are one of the most commonly used procurement vehicles, and improper ordering procedures are a frequent audit finding. Contractors on GSA Schedules must understand BPA establishment, fair opportunity requirements, and the distinction between Schedule orders and standalone contracts.

Key Topics in Part 8

FAR Part 8 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.

• Priority sources of supply and services
• Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) requirements
• AbilityOne/JWOD mandatory purchases
• Federal Supply Schedule ordering (Subpart 8.4)
• Blanket Purchase Agreements under FSS
• Fair opportunity for Schedule orders
• Excess and surplus government property

How FAR Part 8 Applies

The Federal Acquisition Regulation is organized into 53 parts, each covering a distinct area of the procurement process. Part 8 (Required Sources of Supplies and Services) 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 8 may be implemented through specific contract clauses prescribed in FAR Part 52. When a clause references Part 8, the substantive requirements originate here, while Part 52 provides the actual clause language incorporated into contracts and solicitations.

Subparts

FAR Part 8 is divided into 9 subparts, each addressing a specific aspect of required sources of supplies and services.

• 8.1 — Excess Personal Property
• 8.2-8.3 — Subparts 8.2-8.3 [Reserved]
• 8.4 — Federal Supply Schedules
• 8.5 — Subpart 8.5 [Reserved]
• 8.6 — Acquisition From Federal Prison Industries, Inc.
• 8.7 — Acquisition From Nonprofit Agencies Employing People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
• 8.8 — Acquisition of Printing and Related Supplies
• 8.9-8.10 — Subparts 8.9-8.10 [Reserved]
• 8.11 — Leasing of Motor Vehicles

Reading FAR Part 8

The full text of FAR Part 8 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 8 cover?

  FAR Part 8 covers required sources of supplies and services within the federal acquisition process. FAR Part 8 establishes the order of priority for required sources of supplies and services. It directs agencies to first consider existing inventories, then excess from other agencies, Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR), AbilityOne/JWOD products, wholesale supply sources, Federal Supply Schedules, and finally commercial sources. Subpart 8.4 covers the Federal Supply Schedule program ordering procedures.

• Who must comply with FAR Part 8?

  FAR Part 8 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 8?

  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 8 relate to contract clauses?

  FAR Part 8 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.