What is established by the "Contracting Procedures" in FAR?

The correct answer is that the "Contracting Procedures" in FAR establish guidelines for how contracts must be handled throughout the acquisition cycle. This includes directing the entire life span of a contract—from planning and requirements development to contract award and administration, ultimately through contract closure.

By outlining these procedures, the FAR ensures that all contracting activities are consistent with federal laws, policies, and objectives, and provides a framework to promote efficiency and transparency in federal procurement. These guidelines help ensure that agencies are in compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements and can adapt to various types of contracts and procurement strategy needs.

The other options signify important aspects of federal contracting, but they do not specifically pertain to the overarching procedural guidelines set by FAR regarding the entire acquisition process. While processes for filing complaints, rules for ethical behavior, and contractor performance evaluations are all critical to effective contracting, they fall under different sections or areas within FAR that support the broader guidelines on how contracts should be managed throughout their life cycle.