Overview
This section establishes the applicability of FAR Subpart 17.5, which governs the policies and procedures for interagency acquisitions where one agency leverages another agency's contracts or acquisition expertise.
Key Rules
- General Applicability: The subpart applies to all interagency acquisitions under any authority, including both direct acquisitions (using another agency’s contract) and assisted acquisitions (where another agency performs the procurement action).
- Defense Requirements: Non-defense agencies performing acquisitions for the Department of Defense (DoD) must comply with both this subpart and FAR Subpart 17.7.
- Exclusions: This subpart specifically does not apply to:
- Interagency reimbursable work performed by federal employees.
- Transactions where contracting is merely incidental to the primary purpose.
- Orders issued against Federal Supply Schedules (GSA Schedules) that are valued at $750,000 or less.
Practical Implications
- Threshold Awareness: Contracting officers can utilize GSA Schedules for smaller requirements (under $750k) without triggering the specific compliance procedures of FAR 17.5, reducing administrative burden for routine orders.
- Dual Compliance for DoD Support: When a civilian agency assists the DoD, they must be aware of additional oversight and policy requirements mandated by FAR 17.7, ensuring the specific needs and regulations of the defense sector are met.