Overview
This section defines individual deviations as those affecting a single contract action and establishes the authority and documentation requirements for such exceptions to the FAR.
Key Rules
- Scope: Individual deviations are strictly limited to one specific contract action.
- Approval Authority: The head of the agency is generally authorized to approve these deviations, unless specific exceptions under FAR 1.405(e) for DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard apply.
- Documentation Requirements: The Contracting Officer (CO) is mandated to include both the formal justification and the evidence of agency approval within the official contract file.
Practical Implications
- Contracting Officers must elevate deviation requests to high-level agency leadership, making this a process typically reserved for unique or high-stakes procurement scenarios.
- Rigorous record-keeping is required to ensure the deviation withstands legal scrutiny or audits, as the justification must be explicitly documented in the contract file.