Overview
This section establishes the principle of minimizing contract document distribution to essential needs and mandates coordination between agencies when contract administration is delegated to an external agency.
Key Rules
- Minimalist Approach: Agencies are required to limit additional distribution of contract documents to the absolute minimum necessary for performing essential functions.
- Inter-agency Coordination: When a contract is assigned to a contract administration office (CAO) in a different agency, the two agencies must formally agree on any distribution requirements beyond the standard rules in FAR 4.201.
- Alignment with Part 42: This coordination requirement specifically applies to scenarios involving the delegation of contract administration services as defined in FAR Part 42.
Practical Implications
- Administrative Efficiency: Reduces the burden of paperwork and digital storage by preventing the unnecessary proliferation of contract copies across government offices.
- Operational Consistency: Ensures that when agencies work together (e.g., a civilian agency using DCMA for administration), there is a clear, agreed-upon communication channel for critical contract documentation.