Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement(DFARS)
The supplement to the FAR that contains acquisition regulations specific to the Department of Defense.
Overview
The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) extends and supplements the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) with rules and clauses unique to Department of Defense (DoD) procurement. If FAR is the baseline rulebook for all federal acquisitions, DFARS adds the DoD-specific chapters covering everything from cybersecurity requirements to specialty metals restrictions.
Why It Matters in GovCon
Any contractor working with the DoD must comply with both FAR and DFARS. Key DFARS clauses — like DFARS 252.204-7012 (safeguarding covered defense information) and DFARS 252.225-7001 (Buy American restrictions for defense articles) — carry significant compliance obligations that can affect your eligibility and operations.
Key Details
- Structure: Mirrors FAR's numbering system but uses the 2xx series (e.g., DFARS 215.404 supplements FAR 15.404).
- Cybersecurity: DFARS 252.204-7012 requires contractors to implement NIST SP 800-171 security controls and report cyber incidents within 72 hours.
- Cost Accounting: Additional requirements for CAS-covered contracts beyond what FAR prescribes.
- Subcontracting: Specific flow-down requirements that prime contractors must pass to subcontractors.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data's regulation monitoring keeps you informed when DFARS clauses change, and the compliance tracking features help ensure your contracts meet current DoD requirements.
Related Terms
- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
- NIST SP 800-171
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
- Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)
More Regulations Terms
A federal law requiring the U.S. government to prefer domestic products and materials in its procurement.
A federal law requiring contractors on federally funded construction projects to pay workers prevailing local wages.
The primary set of rules governing how the federal government purchases goods and services, covering everything from competition requirements to contract administration.
A federal law that gives the public the right to request access to federal agency records, subject to exemptions.
The acquisition regulation that supplements the FAR for the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. regulations that control the export and import of defense articles, services, and technical data.
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