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A FAR clause is a contract term whose text is set out in Part 52 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the main rulebook for federal contracts. Each one has a fixed number, title and date, and that identifier tells you where it lives in the FAR, which version applies and whether it has been changed. This guide shows how to read those identifiers and how a clause gets into your contract, based on the FAR text as described on acquisition.gov on 2026-10-29 (date checked).
What a FAR clause is
Under FAR 52.101(b)(1), Part 52 holds the text of all FAR provisions and clauses in subpart 52.2, each in its own separate subsection, arranged by subject matter in the same order as, and keyed to, the parts of the FAR. The matrix in 52.101(e) sorts them into categories that include “Required solicitation provisions” and “Required contract clauses”. The page gives no separate formal definition of the two words, so this guide uses “FAR clause” for text from Part 52 that sits in a contract and “provision” for the Part 52 text listed for solicitations.
Clauses matter to research organizations because they are how FAR rules reach a contract in practice. Several are covered elsewhere on CASRAI, for example federal contract compliance clauses, the FAR 31.205 cost principles and FAR 52.249-2 termination for convenience.
How FAR clause numbers work
Every FAR provision and clause number begins with “52.2”, and the next two digits correspond to the number of the FAR subject part (FAR 52.101(b)). The rest of the number follows a dash. The number is therefore a locator, not just a label.
| Piece of the citation | What it tells you | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 52.2 | The clause is in subpart 52.2, the Part 52 text of provisions and clauses | FAR 52.101(b) |
| Next two digits | The FAR subject part the clause is keyed to | FAR 52.101(b) |
| Number after the dash | The individual clause within that subject area | FAR 52.101(b) |
| Title | The name that must accompany the number when the clause is identified | FAR 52.103(a) |
| Date in parentheses | The version of the clause; all provisions, clauses and alternates are dated | FAR 52.101(f), 52.103(a) |
Worked example: reading 52.204-21
Take the clause number 52.204-21. It starts with 52.2, so it is a Part 52 clause. The next two digits are 04, so it is keyed to FAR Part 4. The number after the dash picks out the clause within that area. You can read the same structure in 52.203-13 (keyed to Part 3) and 52.249-2 (keyed to Part 49). The rule works on the number alone, so you can place a clause in the FAR before you open its text.
Incorporated by reference vs full text
A contract does not have to print every clause. FAR 52.102(a) says provisions and clauses should be incorporated by reference to the maximum practical extent, even when they have alternates or fill-in items. Provisions and clauses that are not available electronically must be included in full text (52.102(e)). For certain provisions that need no full text, the contracting officer includes a statement that identifies those the offeror must complete and gives at least one electronic address for the full text (52.102(c)).
You are entitled to read the full wording. Under 52.102(b), the contracting officer, on request, shall provide the full text of any provision or clause incorporated by reference. If a contract lists only numbers, titles and dates, the full text is one request away.
Dates, alternates and deviations
The same clause number can mean different wording on different contracts, because the date, any alternate and any deviation all change the text.
Dates
FAR 52.103(a) requires a clause used without deviation to be identified by number, title and date. The date in your contract fixes which version binds you, so compare it with the date shown on the current text before you assume today’s wording applies. Acquisition.gov shows FAC 2026-01, effective 03/13/2026, on its pages as checked on 2026-10-29; the codified text can differ from other versions of the FAR, so always check the version your contract cites.
Alternates
Some clauses have alternates, titled Alternate I, II, III and so on. When an alternate is used, its date is cited along with the date of the basic provision or clause (FAR 52.105(b)). A citation such as “52.xxx-xx Alternate I” therefore points to two dated texts.
Deviations and modifications
If a clause is used with an authorized deviation, 52.103(a) calls for “(DEVIATION)” to be inserted after the date. The contracting officer must not modify provisions and clauses unless the FAR authorizes the modification (52.104(a)). FAR 52.101(a) describes a “modification” as a minor change in the details of a provision or clause that is specifically authorized by the FAR and does not alter its substance. Clauses from agency supplements are identified by number, title, date and the name of the regulation (52.103(b)); for an example see DFARS 252.204-7021.
Where to find the current text
Part 52 is published on acquisition.gov, and the codified text is also in Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations on eCFR. Use the number from your contract to go straight to the page: for 52.204-21, the page address ends in 52.204-21. Then match the date on the page to the date in your contract. Where they differ, the text that applies to you is the dated version your contract cites; you can ask the contracting officer for it under 52.102(b).
Common mistakes
- Reading today’s text for an older contract. Every clause is dated, and the date in the contract identifies the version (FAR 52.101(f), 52.103(a)).
- Ignoring the alternate. An alternate has its own date, which is cited alongside the basic clause (FAR 52.105(b)); reading only the basic text can miss the change.
- Treating “by reference” as “not part of the contract”. A clause incorporated by reference is incorporated; the full text is available on request (FAR 52.102(a)-(b)).
- Assuming a clause can be rewritten freely. Modification is limited to what the FAR authorizes, and a deviation must be flagged with “(DEVIATION)” (FAR 52.103(a), 52.104(a)).
- Confusing supplement clauses with FAR clauses. Agency supplement clauses are identified with the name of the regulation, which a Part 52 clause is not (FAR 52.103(b)).
Related pages
| Topic | How it connects to FAR clauses |
|---|---|
| FAR Part 12, commercial products and services | A companion page on one FAR subject part, which is the part digits a clause number is keyed to |
| SAM.gov representations and certifications | Companion page on the solicitation-side certifications |
| Federal contract compliance clauses | Worked coverage of 52.203-13 and 52.204-21 |
| FAR 52.249-2 | A single clause read in detail |
FAQ
What is a FAR clause?
It is contract text from FAR Part 52, identified by a number, title and date, that a contract adds to apply FAR requirements (FAR 52.101, 52.103).
What does the number of a FAR clause mean?
The number starts with 52.2, then two digits for the FAR subject part, then a dash number for the specific clause (FAR 52.101(b)).
Does a clause have to be printed in the contract?
No. Clauses are incorporated by reference to the maximum practical extent, and the contracting officer must provide the full text on request (FAR 52.102(a)-(b)).
Can a contracting officer change a FAR clause?
Only where the FAR authorizes it, and a deviation is marked “(DEVIATION)” after the date (FAR 52.103(a), 52.104(a)).
Sources
- Acquisition.gov, FAR 52.101, Using Part 52, date checked 2026-10-29: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.101
- Acquisition.gov, FAR 52.103, Identification of provisions and clauses, date checked 2026-10-29: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.103
- Acquisition.gov, FAR subpart 52.1 (52.102, 52.104, 52.105), date checked 2026-10-29: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-52.1
Descriptions reflect those pages as checked on 2026-10-29; the FAR changes through Federal Acquisition Circulars.
