What is FAR 52.246-11?

FAR 52.246-11 (Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the quality category.

When is FAR 52.246-11 required?

FAR 52.246-11 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 52.246-11 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.246-11 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

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52.246-11 — Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement.

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.246-11 — Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement.. 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

52.246-11 Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement. As prescribed in 46.311, insert the following clause: Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement (DEC 2014) (a) The Contractor shall comply with the higher-level quality standard(s) listed below. [ Contracting Officer insert the title, number, date, and tailoring (if any) of the higher-level quality standards. ] (b) The Contractor shall include applicable requirements of the higher-level quality standard(s) listed in paragraph (a) of this clause and the requirement to flow down such standards, as applicable, to lower-tier subcontracts, in— (1) Any subcontract for critical and complex items (see 46.203(b) and (c)); or (2) When the technical requirements of a subcontract require— (i) Control of such things as design, work operations, in-process control, testing, and inspection; or (ii) Attention to such factors as organization, planning, work instructions, documentation control, and advanced metrology. (End of clause) [79 FR 70348, Nov. 25, 2014]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.246-11 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.246-11)

Compliance Checklist

As prescribed in 46.311, insert the following clause: Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement (DEC 2014) (a) The Contractor shall comply with the higher-level quality standard(s) listed below.
] (b) The Contractor shall include applicable requirements of the higher-level quality standard(s) listed in paragraph (a) of this clause and the requirement to flow down such standards, as applicable, to lower-tier subcontracts, in— (1) Any subcontract for critical and complex items (see 46.203(b) and (c)); or (2) When the technical requirements of a subcontract require— (i) Control of such things as design, work operations, in-process control, testing, and inspection; or (ii) Attention to such factors as organization, planning, work instructions, documentation control, and advanced metrology.

Flow-Down to Subcontractors

Flow-down required

This clause must be included in subcontracts with no subcontractors where the subcontractor will perform work covered by this clause. Typically appears in contract Section Section I.

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.