Overview
FAR 1.706 establishes the requirements and timelines for the expiration of authority granted under both individual and class Determinations and Findings (D&Fs).
Key Rules
- Class D&Fs: Must include a mandatory expiration date.
- Individual D&Fs: The use of an expiration date is optional.
- Termination of Authority:
- For individual D&Fs, authority ends either when the authorized action is taken or on the specified expiration date, whichever occurs first.
- For class D&Fs, authority ends on the date specified in the document.
- Solicitation Extension: If a solicitation is issued to prospective offerors before the D&F expires, the authority is automatically extended until the resulting contract(s) are awarded.
Practical Implications
- Contracting Officers must be diligent in tracking expiration dates for class D&Fs to ensure they do not lose the legal authority to execute specific types of acquisitions.
- The regulation provides a "safe harbor" for procurements already in progress, preventing administrative delays or the need for new D&Fs if a solicitation remains open past the original expiration date.