DFARS 212.7002 — Policy
Regulatory text. Not legal advice.
(a)
(a) Contracting officers may only use a CSO—
(1) To obtain innovative solutions or potential capabilities that fulfill requirements;
(2) To close capability gaps, or provide potential innovative technological advancements; and
(3) When meaningful proposals with varying technical or scientific approaches can be reasonably anticipated.
(b)
(b) Notwithstanding FAR 12.207, contracting officers shall use fixed-price type contracts, including fixed-price incentive contracts, for awards resulting from a CSO. When using a fixed-price incentive contract, see FAR 12.214 and FAR Subpart 16.4 for additional requirements.
(c)
(c) Contracting officers shall treat products and services acquired using a CSO as commercial products or commercial services.
(d)
(d) When using a CSO to acquire research and development, contracting officers shall use the procedures of this subpart in conjunction with FAR Part 35 and part 235. A CSO is not subject to the limitations at DFARS 235.016 and may be used to fulfill requirements for research and development, ranging from advanced component development through operational systems development.
Source: eCFR • Pulled 2026-04-16