FAR Drafting Guide released

Edited by Bob Arguero, Managing Editor, GovCon

The Federal Acquisition Regulation Drafting Guide has been issued. This guide provides the conventions for writing the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The guide addresses guidelines for clear writing; structure and format of text, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses; writing conventions; and terminology.

This guide addresses conventions specific to the FAR. For general guidance concerning the drafting of clear and simple regulations, refer to the following documents:

• Office of the Federal Register Drafting Legal Documents available via the Internet at http://www.nara.gov/fedreg/dldhome.html
  
• Office of the Federal Register Document Drafting Handbook available via the Internet at http://www.nara.gov/fedreg/ddhhome.html
  
• NPR plain language web site: http://www.plainlanguage.gov
  Government Printing Office Style Manual.

This guide implements the President's memorandum of June 1, 1998 (Plain Language in Government Writing). The guide encourages clear and simple writing using—

• Active voice;
  
• Short sentences and paragraphs;
  
• Vertical lists; and
  
• Care in using and placing words.

This guide is effective immediately. All amendments to the FAR should comply with this guide.