What is FAR 52.203-17?

FAR 52.203-17 (Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the ethics category.

When is FAR 52.203-17 required?

FAR 52.203-17 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 52.203-17 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.203-17 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

Low RiskFAREthics

52.203-17 — Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights.

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.203-17 — Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights.. 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

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights. As prescribed in 3.906, insert the following clause: Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (NOV 2023) (a) This contract and employees working on this contract will be subject to the whistleblower rights and remedies established at 41 U.S.C. 4712 and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 3.900 through 3.905. (b) The Contractor shall inform its employees in writing, in the predominant language of the workforce, of employee whistleblower rights and protections under 41 U.S.C. 4712, as described in FAR 3.900 through 3.905. (c) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts. (End of clause) [88 FR 69522, Oct. 5, 2023]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.203-17 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.203-17)

Compliance Checklist

(b) The Contractor shall inform its employees in writing, in the predominant language of the workforce, of employee whistleblower rights and protections under 41 U.S.C.
(c) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts.

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.