Growing Your Government Business

What Is DFARS and Why Does It Matter?

Understand the defense acquisition supplement beyond cybersecurity and review clauses applying to your work.

Defense acquisition requirements

DFARS supplements the Federal Acquisition Regulation for defense procurement. It includes policies and clauses across acquisition topics, not only cybersecurity.

The requirements affecting your company depend on the contract, applicable clauses, procurement method, agency rules, and relevant deviations. Do not treat a list from one old contract as complete guidance for another.

Review systematically

01Locate the solicitation's incorporated clauses and relevant terms.
02Identify obligations affecting your deliverable and business processes.
03Review cybersecurity, data rights, sourcing, quality, payment, and subcontract conditions where applicable.
04Check what must flow to subcontractors.
05Assign owners and obtain qualified advice for uncertain obligations.

Cybersecurity is one area

Certain DFARS clauses address covered information, incident reporting, assessments, and CMMC status. Their applicability must be read in context. A general claim of DFARS compliance is less useful than evidence that the specific obligations are understood and met.

Use current official texts

Review Acquisition.gov and applicable agency guidance before bidding and after modifications. A clause review should inform pricing, staffing, technology, and risk decisions rather than becoming an administrative step after award.

Official sources

Check current instructions and requirements directly with the relevant agency.

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