Overview
Subpart 17.3 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is currently designated as [Reserved]. This means there is no active regulatory language, policy guidance, or enforceable clauses contained within this specific section at this time.
Key Rules
- Placeholder Designation: The "Reserved" status indicates that the section is being held to maintain the numerical continuity of the FAR structure, often following the deletion of previous content or in anticipation of future regulations.
- Inactivity: There are no specific rules, definitions, or procedures currently codified in FAR 17.3.
- Non-Applicability: Because the section is empty, it cannot be cited as a source of authority for contracting actions or disputes.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers (COs): Are not required to perform any specific duties or include any specific provisions related to this subpart in solicitations or contracts.
- Legal Counsel: Should ensure that no internal agency policies or contract documents erroneously cite Subpart 17.3 for active regulatory requirements.
- Contractors/Offerors: Should disregard this subpart during the proposal process and compliance reviews, as it imposes no obligations.
Practical Implications
- Research Efficiency: When navigating FAR Part 17 (Special Contracting Methods), practitioners should move directly from Subpart 17.2 (Options) to Subpart 17.4 (Leader Company Contracting).
- Historical Reference: If an older, existing contract references FAR 17.3, it may be a "legacy" reference to a version of the FAR that existed before the subpart was vacated. In such cases, the version of the FAR in effect at the time of contract award (the "Christian Doctrine" or specific contract flow-downs) would govern.
- Future Updates: Professionals should monitor Federal Acquisition Circulars (FACs) for any future rulemaking that might populate this reserved section with new "Special Contracting Methods."