Overview
FAR 4.1601 establishes the requirement for agencies to use unique Procurement Instrument Identifiers (PIIDs) for all solicitations and contract actions to ensure standardized tracking across the federal government. It mandates a uniform numbering format and strictly limits the circumstances under which a PIID may be changed.
Key Rules
- Governmentwide Uniqueness: Agencies must ensure every PIID is unique across the federal government and remains so for at least 20 years from the date of contract award.
- System Integration: The PIID must be used consistently in all contract actions and designated reporting systems, including the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and the System for Award Management (SAM).
- Standardized Format: As of October 1, 2017, agencies must use a specific PIID format that begins with the six-character Activity Address Code (AAC).
- Restrictions on Changes: A PIID cannot be changed unless the serial numbering system is exhausted or continued use is "administratively burdensome" (e.g., during the implementation of a new contract writing system).
- Change Procedures: Any change to a PIID must be executed via an administrative contract modification that clearly identifies both the original and the newly assigned identifier.
Practical Implications
- This policy ensures "cradle-to-grave" traceability of a requirement, allowing auditors and the public to track spending accurately across different federal databases.
- For contractors, this means the PIID serves as the primary reference for all invoicing, reporting, and correspondence, providing a stable identifier even if the agency migrates to a new internal management system.