Contract Information

A contract is "a mutually binding legal relationship obligating the seller to furnish the supplies or services (including construction) and the buyer to pay for them. It includes all types of commitments that obligate the Government to an expenditure of appropriated funds and that, except as otherwise authorized, are in writing. In addition to bilateral instruments, contracts include (but are not limited to) awards and notices of awards; job orders or task letters issued under basic ordering agreements; letter contracts; orders, such as purchase orders, under which the contract becomes effective by written acceptance or performance; and bilateral contract modifications. Contracts do not include grants and cooperative agreements covered by 31 U.S.C. 6301, et seq." (Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Subpart 2.1)

"Contracting" means purchasing, renting, leasing, or otherwise obtaining supplies or services from nonfederal sources. Contracting includes description (but not determination) of supplies and services required, selection and solicitation of sources, preparation and award of contracts, and all phases of contract administration. It does not include making grants or cooperative agreements" (FAR, Subpart 2.1)

Regulations

Federal Acquisition Regulation

The Federal Acquisition Regulations System is established for the codification and publication of uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by all executive agencies (FAR Subpart 1.1, page 1.1-1)

"Acquisition" means the acquiring by contract with appropriated funds for supplies or services (including construction) by and for the use of the Federal Government through purchase or lease, whether the supplies or services are already in existence or must be created, developed, demonstrated, and evaluated. Acquisition begins at the point when agency needs are established and includes the description of requirements to satisfy agency needs, solicitation and selection of sources, award of contracts, contract financing, contract performance, contract administration, and those technical and management functions directly related to the process of fulfilling agency needs by contract" (FAR Subpart 2.1, page 2.1-1)

Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation

"The Federal Acquisition Regulations System consists of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which is the primary document, and the agency acquisition regulations that implement or supplement the FAR. The FAR System does not include internal agency guidance" (FAR Subpart 1.101). Guidance for procurement officials is available here.

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DOE Offices

Department of Energy, Office of Procurement and Acquisition Management (OPAM)

  • About: The Office of Procurement an Acquisition Management (OPAM) is responsible for all contracting, financial assistance and related activities to fulfill the Department’s multitude of missions through its business relationships. As the business organization of the Department, OPAM develops and supports the policies, procedures and procurement operational elements.

Office of Information Resources

  • About: The Office of Information Resources is responsible for administering policies, programs, and procedures to ensure DOE compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552.

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

  • Secondary Website
  • About: The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization assists small businesses, small disadvantaged, 8(a), women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones.
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Office of Science Offices

Headquarters – Office of Grants and Contracts Support

  • About: The Office of Grants and Contracts Support provides assistance, advice, and oversight to the Office of Science, Office of the Deputy Director for Resource Management and the Science Program Offices. Information about the Office of Science is available here.

Integrated Support Center (ISC) – Office of Acquisition and Assistance

  • About: The ISC Office of Acquisition and Assistance is where contracting officers plan, negotiate, award, administer, and closeout contracts.
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Special Areas

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