Overview
FAR 47.200 defines the scope and applicability of procedures for acquiring freight transportation and related services (such as storage and packing) through sealed bids or negotiated contracts. It distinguishes between domestic surface transportation, which is generally covered, and international or air transportation, which typically falls under different subparts or regulations.
Key Rules
- Included Services: Covers freight transportation via rail, motor, domestic water carriers, and freight forwarders, as well as related services like stevedoring, packing, marking, and storage.
- Major Exclusions: The subpart generally does not apply to:
- Domestic or international air carriers and international ocean carriers.
- Transportation acquired via bills of lading rather than formal contracts.
- Contracts at or below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).
- Household goods shipments moved under specific statutory rates (49 U.S.C. 10721/13712).
- Discretionary Application: Procedures may be adapted for air, international ocean, or passenger transportation at the agency's discretion.
- Relocation Constraints: While it covers household goods for relocated personnel, it excludes those moved under Federal Travel Regulations (FTR), Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Transportation Regulations, or specific statutory rate schedules.
- DoD Specificity: DoD acquisitions must additionally follow the Defense Transportation Regulation (DoD 4500.9-R).
Practical Implications
- Contracting officers must look to FAR Subparts 47.4 (Air) and 47.5 (Ocean) for international shipments rather than this subpart.
- The exclusion of contracts below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold means that most small-scale or routine shipping needs are handled via simplified procedures or bills of lading rather than the formal contracting requirements outlined here.