Overview
This section provides specific definitions for "leasing" and "motor vehicle" to establish the scope of regulations governing the acquisition of non-Government-owned vehicles under FAR Subpart 8.11.
Key Rules
- Leasing Scope: The term "leasing" is defined broadly to include any acquisition of a motor vehicle from private or commercial sources other than a purchase, specifically including "hiring" and "renting."
- Motor Vehicle Criteria: To qualify as a motor vehicle under this subpart, an item must be wheel-mounted and designed for highway or land use.
- Power Requirements: A motor vehicle must either possess its own self-contained power unit or be designed to be towed by self-propelled equipment (such as trailers).
Practical Implications
- Contracting officers must apply the requirements of Subpart 8.11 to both short-term rentals and long-term vehicle hires, as the FAR treats these synonyms identically to leasing.
- The inclusion of towed equipment means that trailers and specialized wheeled land equipment are subject to the same acquisition oversight and regulatory constraints as cars and trucks.