Overview
Subpart 4.3 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is currently designated as "[Reserved]." This means the section is a placeholder that contains no active regulatory text, maintained solely to preserve the numerical structure and sequencing of Part 4.
Key Rules
- No Active Requirements: There are no current regulatory mandates, clauses, or provisions located within this subpart.
- Historical Context: Historically, this subpart contained policies regarding "Paper Documents" (specifically double-sided printing and recycled paper instructions). These requirements were relocated—primarily to FAR Part 23—to consolidate environmental and sustainability policies.
- Structural Integrity: The use of "[Reserved]" ensures that existing cross-references in legal documents and software systems to subsequent subparts (e.g., Subpart 4.4, Safeguarding Classified Information) remain accurate without needing a complete renumbering of the FAR.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Are not required to take any action or include any specific clauses based on this subpart.
- Contractors: Have no compliance or reporting obligations under this subpart.
- Regulatory Councils: Are responsible for determining if and when new regulatory language will be inserted into this numerical slot in the future.
Practical Implications
For government contractors and procurement professionals, the practical takeaway is that this section can be bypassed during regulatory research. When looking for policies regarding document preparation or environmental considerations that used to live here, practitioners should instead consult FAR Part 23 (Environment, Energy and Water Efficiency, Renewable Energy Technologies, Occupational Safety, and Drug-Free Workplace). If a solicitation or contract references FAR 4.3, it is likely an error or an outdated reference to previous versions of the FAR.