48 CFR § 212.7002 - 212.7002 Policy.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t48/s212.7002"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "48 CFR § 212.7002 - 212.7002   Policy."
title_number: 48
title_name: "Federal Acquisition Regulations System"
section_number: "212.7002"
section_name: "212.7002   Policy."
chapter_number: 2
chapter_name: "DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "ACQUISITION PLANNING"
part_number: "212"
part_name: "ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR chapter 1."
regulatory_source: "60 FR 61595, Nov. 30, 1995, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "212"
---


# 212.7002 212.7002   Policy.

(a) Contracting officers may only use a CSO—

(1) To obtain innovative solutions or potential capabilities that fulfill requirements;

(2) To close capability gaps, or provide potential innovative technological advancements; and

(3) When meaningful proposals with varying technical or scientific approaches can be reasonably anticipated.

(b) Notwithstanding FAR 12.207, contracting officers shall use fixed-price type contracts, including fixed-price incentive contracts, for awards resulting from a CSO. When using a fixed-price incentive contract, see FAR 12.214 and subpart 16.4 for additional requirements.

(c) Contracting officers shall treat products and services acquired using a CSO as commercial products or commercial services.

(d) When using a CSO to acquire research and development, contracting officers shall use the procedures of this subpart in conjunction with FAR part 35 and part 235. A CSO is not subject to the limitations at 235.016 and may be used to fulfill requirements for research and development, ranging from advanced component development through operational systems development.