Overview
FAR 1.703 establishes the parameters for "Class Determinations and Findings" (D&Fs), which provide a single authority for a group of related contract actions rather than requiring individual justifications for each.
Key Rules
- Definition of a Class: A class consists of contract actions for the same or related supplies/services, or actions requiring nearly identical justifications.
- Supportive Findings: The findings within the document must fully justify the proposed action for the entire class or for each individual action within that class.
- Time Limitations: Every class D&F must be for a specified period and must explicitly state its expiration date.
- CO Responsibility: The contracting officer is legally responsible for ensuring that any specific action taken under the D&F's authority remains strictly within its defined scope.
Practical Implications
- Administrative Efficiency: This section allows agencies to streamline repetitive procurement processes by consolidating the approval effort for similar requirements.
- Compliance Monitoring: Contracting officers must carefully audit individual actions to prevent "scope creep," ensuring that the broad authority of a class D&F is not used for unrelated or expired procurement needs.