Requirements for Companies to Be FAR Compliant The FAR applies to companies with U.S. federal contracts or subcontracts for goods and services (other than commercial off-the-shelf items) to be acquired outside the U.S. with an estimated value of more than $500,000 USD.
The FGCAA specifically prohibits federal agencies from using Cooperative Agreements to acquire property or services for the direct benefit or use of the federal government. This distinction is what separates Cooperative Agreements from “procurement contracts” or “acquisitions” bound by the FAR.
FAR only governs contracts with the agencies of the Executive branch. Contracts with the Legislative branch and the judicial branch come under separate regulations. Contracts with the Legislative branch (i.e., Congress) are governed by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
Strategic alliances are cooperative agreements between potential or actual competitors. The term is often used to embrace a variety of agreements between actual or potential competitors including cross-shareholding deals, licensing arrangements, formal joint ventures, and informal cooperative arrangements.
The FAR is the set of rules governing the federal government's purchasing process, it is jointly issued by DoD, GSA, and NASA and applies to most agencies in the Executive Branch.