What is FAR 52.215-3?

FAR 52.215-3 (Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the contracting-methods category.

When is FAR 52.215-3 required?

FAR 52.215-3 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 52.215-3 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.215-3 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

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52.215-3 — Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes.

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.215-3 — Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes.. 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

52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes. As prescribed in 15.209(c), insert the following provision: Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (OCT 1997) (a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this solicitation or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and proposal costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (b) Although “proposal” and “offeror” are used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. (c) This solicitation is issued for the purpose of: [ state purpose ]. (End of provision) [62 FR 51261, Sept. 30, 1997]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.215-3 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.215-3)

Compliance Checklist

It shall not be used as a proposal.

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.