Overview
This section mandates the inclusion of a specific contract clause to enforce the federal prohibition on ByteDance-covered applications (such as TikTok) across all government acquisitions.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Inclusion: Contracting officers are required to insert the clause at FAR 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application, in all solicitations and contracts.
- Universal Applicability: The rule applies broadly to all contracts without regard to dollar value or the type of product/service being procured.
- Limited Exceptions: Exceptions to this requirement are only permitted if specifically granted under the criteria established by OMB Memorandum M-23-13.
Practical Implications
- Compliance Requirements: Contractors must ensure that prohibited applications are removed from any information technology used in the performance of a contract, including employee-owned devices used for work ("bring your own device" or BYOD).
- Policy Updates: Companies doing business with the federal government should update their internal IT and cybersecurity policies to explicitly prohibit the installation or use of TikTok and other ByteDance applications on corporate or contract-related systems.