# FAR Defines Federal Contract Quality Rules

FAR Part 46 establishes federal contract requirements for quality assurance, inspection, acceptance, warranties, and certain post-acceptance liability. The CASRAI guide advises contractors to review the quality clauses incorporated into each solicitation and contract, maintain the required quality controls and evidence of conformance, and provide only conforming supplies or services. Requirements vary by contract type, product category, and agency deviations. FAC 2026-01 took effect on March 13, 2026, so procurement teams should verify which FAR version or deviation applies to each active solicitation and contract.

- Contractors must follow the quality clauses incorporated into their specific contracts; requirements can differ for cost-reimbursement supply, fixed-price service, and research and development contracts.
- Procurement and quality teams should align inspection records and evidence of conformance with the applicable clauses before tendering deliverables.
- Because the stated effective date has passed, teams reviewing current solicitations should confirm whether they incorporate FAC 2026-01 or an agency deviation rather than assume a uniform FAR version.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 29, 2026

### Sources
- [FAR Part 46: Inspection, Acceptance, Warranties — CASRAI](https://casrai.org/guides/far-part-46) - CASRAI