What is FAR 52.211-16?

FAR 52.211-16 (Variation in Quantity.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the general category.

When is FAR 52.211-16 required?

FAR 52.211-16 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 52.211-16 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.211-16 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

Low RiskFARGeneral

52.211-16 — Variation in Quantity.

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.211-16 — Variation in Quantity.. 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

52.211-16 Variation in Quantity. As prescribed in 11.703(a), insert the following clause: Variation in Quantity (APR 1984) (a) A variation in the quantity of any item called for by this contract will not be accepted unless the variation has been caused by conditions of loading, shipping, or packing, or allowances in manufacturing processes, and then only to the extent, if any, specified in paragraph (b) below. (b) The permissible variation shall be limited to: __ Percent increase [ Contracting Officer insert percentage ] __ Percent decrease [ Contracting Officer insert percentage ] This increase or decrease shall apply to __ * (End of clause) *Contracting Officer shall insert in the blank the designation(s) to which the percentages apply, such as (1) the total contract quantity, (2) item 1 only, (3) each quantity specified in the delivery schedule, (4) the total item quantity for each destination, or (5) the total quantity of each item without regard to destination. [48 FR 42478, Sept. 19, 1983. Redesignated and amended at 60 FR 48251, 48256, Sept. 18, 1995; 64 FR 10538, Mar. 4, 1999]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.211-16 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.211-16)

Compliance Checklist

(b) The permissible variation shall be limited to: __ Percent increase [ Contracting Officer insert percentage ] __ Percent decrease [ Contracting Officer insert percentage ] This increase or decrease shall apply to __ * (End of clause) *Contracting Officer shall insert in the blank the designation(s) to which the percentages apply, such as (1) the total contract quantity, (2) item 1 only, (3) each quantity specified in the delivery schedule, (4) the total item quantity for each destination, or (5) the total quantity of each item without regard to destination.

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

BidStride automatically scans your RFPs for 52.211-16

Stop hunting through solicitations manually. BidStride identifies every FAR and DFARS clause in your RFP, flags risk level, and surfaces compliance requirements before you submit your bid.

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.