Overview
FAR 4.702 defines the scope of the record retention requirements, specifying which contract types and federal agencies are subject to the standardized retention periods set forth in Subpart 4.7.
Key Rules
- Clause Triggers: The requirements apply to any contract containing either FAR 52.214-26 (Audit and Records-Sealed Bidding) or FAR 52.215-2 (Audit and Records-Negotiation).
- Agency Jurisdiction: The subpart applies to contracts governed by 10 U.S.C. (DoD, NASA, and Coast Guard) and 40 U.S.C. (Civilian agencies).
- Department of Energy (DOE) Exception: This subpart is not mandatory for DOE contracts if the Comptroller General has approved alternative record retention periods for that specific agency.
Practical Implications
- Contractors must check their award documents for the specific Audit and Records clauses to determine if they are legally obligated to follow the retention timelines outlined in this subpart.
- Because most negotiated and sealed-bid federal contracts include these clauses, these retention periods serve as the default compliance standard for the majority of the federal contracting base.