What is FAR 52.204-22?

FAR 52.204-22 (Alternative Line Item Proposal.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the ethics category.

When is FAR 52.204-22 required?

FAR 52.204-22 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 52.204-22 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.204-22 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

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52.204-22 — Alternative Line Item Proposal.

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.204-22 — Alternative Line Item Proposal.. 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

52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal. As prescribed in 4.1008, insert the following provision: Alternative Line Item Proposal (JAN 2017) (a) The Government recognizes that the line items established in this solicitation may not conform to the Offeror's practices. Failure to correct these issues can result in difficulties in acceptance of deliverables and processing payments. Therefore, the Offeror is invited to propose alternative line items for which bids, proposals, or quotes are requested in this solicitation to ensure that the resulting contract is economically and administratively advantageous to the Government and the Offeror. (b) The Offeror may submit one or more additional proposals with alternative line items, provided that alternative line items are consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. However, acceptance of an alternative proposal is a unilateral decision made solely at the discretion of the Government. Offers that do not comply with the line items specified in this solicitation may be determined to be nonresponsive or unacceptable. (End of provision) [82 FR 4714, Jan. 13, 2017]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.204-22 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.204-22)

Compliance Checklist

Flow-Down to Subcontractors

No flow-down required

This clause applies only to the prime contract and does not need to be flowed down to subcontractors.

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.