Overview
This section mandates the inclusion of a simplified inspection clause in research and development (R&D) solicitations and contracts when standard, more detailed R&D inspection clauses are not appropriate.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Clause: The Contracting Officer must insert FAR clause 52.246-9, "Inspection of Research and Development (Short Form)."
- Usage Criteria: This clause is used specifically when the standard R&D inspection clauses prescribed in FAR 46.307 (Cost-Reimbursement) or FAR 46.308 (Fixed-Price) are excluded from the contract.
- Scope: Applies strictly to contracts categorized under research and development.
Practical Implications
- Provides a streamlined oversight mechanism for simpler R&D projects where the administrative burden of full-scale inspection and testing procedures is unnecessary.
- Contracting Officers must actively determine the complexity of the R&D effort to decide if the "Short Form" is sufficient or if the more rigorous requirements of 46.307 or 46.308 are required for quality assurance.