What is FAR 52.219-2?

FAR 52.219-2 (Equal Low Bids.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the small-business category.

When is FAR 52.219-2 required?

FAR 52.219-2 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 52.219-2 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.219-2 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

Low RiskFARSmall Business

52.219-2 — Equal Low Bids.

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.219-2 — Equal Low Bids.. 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

52.219-2 Equal Low Bids. As prescribed in 19.309(b), insert the following provision: Equal Low Bids (OCT 1995) (a) This provision applies to small business concerns only. (b) The bidder's status as a labor surplus area (LSA) concern may affect entitlement to award in case of tie bids. If the bidder wishes to be considered for this priority, the bidder must identify, in the following space, the LSA in which the costs to be incurred on account of manufacturing or production (by the bidder or the first-tier subcontractors) amount to more than 50 percent of the contract price. (c) Failure to identify the labor surplus areas as specified in paragraph (b) of this provision will preclude the bidder from receiving priority consideration. If the bidder is awarded a contract as a result of receiving priority consideration under this provision and would not have otherwise received award, the bidder shall perform the contract or cause the contract to be performed in accordance with the obligations of an LSA concern. (End of provision) [60 FR 48265, Sept. 18, 1995, as amended at 63 FR 35725, June 30, 1998; 63 FR 70274, Dec. 18, 1998; 69 FR 25279, May 5, 2004; 76 FR 18314, Apr. 1, 2011; 79 FR 61753, Oct. 14, 2014]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.219-2 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.219-2)

Compliance Checklist

If the bidder wishes to be considered for this priority, the bidder must identify, in the following space, the LSA in which the costs to be incurred on account of manufacturing or production (by the bidder or the first-tier subcontractors) amount to more than 50 percent of the contract price.
If the bidder is awarded a contract as a result of receiving priority consideration under this provision and would not have otherwise received award, the bidder shall perform the contract or cause the contract to be performed in accordance with the obligations of an LSA concern.

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.