What is FAR 52.203-15?

FAR 52.203-15 (Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the ethics category.

When is FAR 52.203-15 required?

FAR 52.203-15 is typically required when the contracting officer determines it's applicable to the specific procurement. Check the solicitation's Section I for included clauses.

Does FAR 52.203-15 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.203-15 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

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52.203-15 — Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.203-15 — Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This clause is part of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and may be included in government contracts as a solicitation provision or contract clause.

Official Regulation Text

52.203-15 Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 As prescribed in 3.907-7, use the following clause: Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (a) The Contractor shall post notice of employees rights and remedies for whistleblower protections provided under section 1553 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111-5) (Recovery Act). (b) The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (b), in all subcontracts that are funded in whole or in part with Recovery Act funds. (End of clause) [74 FR 14636, Mar. 31, 2009, as amended at 75 FR 34259, June 16, 2010]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.203-15 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.203-15)

Compliance Checklist

52.203-15 Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 As prescribed in 3.907-7, use the following clause: Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (a) The Contractor shall post notice of employees rights and remedies for whistleblower protections provided under section 1553 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub.
(b) The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (b), in all subcontracts that are funded in whole or in part with Recovery Act funds.

Flow-Down to Subcontractors

Flow-down required

This clause must be included in subcontracts with no subcontractors where the subcontractor will perform work covered by this clause. Typically appears in contract Section Section I.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This summary is for informational purposes only and reflects the BidStride Research Team's plain-English interpretation of the regulation. It is not legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Always consult the official Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) text and qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions.