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Desk reference · not legal adviceFAR overhaul tracker/Part 15/As of 2 Nov 2026
FAR Part 15: Contracting by Negotiation
Awaiting final rule
- Stage
- Proposed in FAR Case 2026-003, comment period closed 19 October 2026
- DoD deviation
- Class deviation 2026-O0048 (DPAP list)
- Current text
- FAR Part 15 on Acquisition.gov
The proposed rule: FAR Case 2026-003
Set 2Part 15 is covered by FAR Case 2026-003, published 18 September 2026, which also covers Parts 8, 12, 13, 38, 44 and 51. The comment period closed 19 October 2026; no final rule has been published.
What the rule does, across the parts it covers (not every point touches Part 15):
- Moves the subpart 13.5 simplified procedures for commercial acquisitions into Part 12.
- Removes Part 38; GSA prescribes the Schedules program itself. Folds Part 51 into Part 8.
- Part 15: redefines a deficiency, allows clarifications at any time up to award, lets the CO accept a late proposal on a best-interest determination, and formalizes highest technically rated with a fair and reasonable price.
Get told when Part 15 moves
Part 15 has a proposed rule. Leave an address and we will email you when the final rule is published.
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What governs today: a proposed rule governs nothing. The codified FAR does, unless your agency has adopted a class deviation. Other agencies publish their deviations on their own sites and on Acquisition.gov.