Overview
This section establishes a specific legal threshold for what constitutes a "final conviction" within the context of FAR Part 3, focusing on the conclusion of criminal proceedings through sentencing.
Key Rules
- Scope of Entry: A conviction is recognized whether it arises from a trial verdict or a voluntary plea.
- Inclusion of Nolo Contendere: Pleas of "no contest" are explicitly included and treated the same as a guilty plea or verdict for the purposes of this regulation.
- Sentencing Requirement: A conviction is not considered "final" under this definition until a formal sentence has been imposed by the court.
Practical Implications
- Agencies must wait until the sentencing phase is complete before initiating certain administrative actions, such as voiding or rescinding a contract under Subpart 3.7.
- Contractors cannot avoid the administrative consequences of a conviction by entering a plea of nolo contendere rather than a guilty plea.