Overview
Subpart 52.3 provides the framework for the FAR Provision and Clause Matrix, a comprehensive reference tool used to determine which regulatory terms apply to specific federal actions. It identifies the mandatory, conditional, and optional provisions and clauses required for solicitations and contracts based on the underlying contract type and purpose.
Key Rules
- Organization by Contract Type: The matrix is structured with columns representing the principal types and purposes of contracts (e.g., Fixed-Price Supply, Cost-Reimbursement Research and Development, etc.).
- Digital Accessibility: The physical matrix is no longer printed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR); instead, it is maintained as a dynamic digital tool (the "Smart Matrix") at acquisition.gov.
- Classification System: The matrix indicates whether a clause is "R" (Required), "A" (Required when Applicable), or "O" (Optional) for a given procurement scenario.
- Regulatory Alignment: The matrix is explicitly tied to the definitions and guidance found in FAR 52.101(e).
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers (COs): Responsible for utilizing the matrix to ensure that all legally required provisions and clauses are included in solicitations and awarded contracts.
- Contract Specialists: Responsible for performing the initial "clause logic" screening during the drafting phase of acquisition documents to ensure the contract reflects the correct type and purpose.
- FAR Council/Acquisition.gov Administrators: Responsible for the technical maintenance and timely updating of the digital "Smart Matrix" to reflect recent Federal Acquisition Circulars (FACs) and legislative changes.
Practical Implications
- Streamlined Contract Formation: In real-world scenarios, the "Smart Matrix" acts as a logic engine that prevents Contracting Officers from manually searching thousands of pages of the FAR to find applicable clauses. For example, when drafting a commercial service contract, the CO uses the matrix to filter out irrelevant clauses (like those for construction or high-level R&D), ensuring the contract remains concise and compliant.
- Risk Mitigation: By adhering to the matrix, the government reduces the risk of "Christian Doctrine" issues (where a mandatory clause is deemed included by law even if physically omitted), protecting both the agency and the contractor from legal ambiguity.
- System Integration: Most modern automated procurement systems (such as CON-IT or PD2) are built upon the logic defined in this subpart, using the matrix as the foundational data set for automated clause selection.