What is FAR 52.214-6?

FAR 52.214-6 (Explanation to Prospective Bidders.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the general category.

When is FAR 52.214-6 required?

FAR 52.214-6 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 52.214-6 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.214-6 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

Low RiskFARGeneral

52.214-6 — Explanation to Prospective Bidders.

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.214-6 — Explanation to Prospective Bidders.. 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

52.214-6 Explanation to Prospective Bidders. As prescribed in 14.201-6(c)(2), insert the following provision: Explanation to Prospective Bidders (APR 1984) Any prospective bidder desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing soon enough to allow a reply to reach all prospective bidders before the submission of their bids. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of a contract will not be binding. Any information given a prospective bidder concerning a solicitation will be furnished promptly to all other prospective bidders as an amendment to the solicitation, if that information is necessary in submitting bids or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to other prospective bidders. (End of provision) [48 FR 42478, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 55 FR 25531, June 21, 1990]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.214-6 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.214-6)

Compliance Checklist

As prescribed in 14.201-6(c)(2), insert the following provision: Explanation to Prospective Bidders (APR 1984) Any prospective bidder desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing soon enough to allow a reply to reach all prospective bidders before the submission of their bids.

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 52.214-6

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.