What is FAR 52.233-2?

FAR 52.233-2 (Service of Protest.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the disputes category.

When is FAR 52.233-2 required?

FAR 52.233-2 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 52.233-2 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.233-2 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

Low RiskFARdisputes

52.233-2 — Service of Protest.

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.233-2 — Service of Protest.. 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

52.233-2 Service of Protest. As prescribed in 33.106(a), insert the following provision: Service of Protest (SEP 2006) (a) Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from ____. [ Contracting Officer designate the official or location where a protest may be served on the Contracting Officer. ] (b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO. (End of provision) [61 FR 41471, Aug. 8, 1996, as amended at 71 FR 57380, Sept. 28, 2006]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.233-2 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.233-2)

Compliance Checklist

As prescribed in 33.106(a), insert the following provision: Service of Protest (SEP 2006) (a) Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from ____.
] (b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

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.