What is the primary purpose of the FAR?

The primary purpose of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is to provide uniform policies and procedures for federal procurement. This ensures that all federal agencies adhere to consistent standards, which promotes efficiency, transparency, and fairness in government contracting. By establishing a common framework, the FAR facilitates a predictable and organized procurement process, which is crucial for managing taxpayer money effectively and ensuring that all suppliers have a fair opportunity to compete for federal contracts.

In contrast to other options, promoting free-market competition is more of a byproduct of having standardized procedures rather than the core purpose of the FAR itself. The FAR does not focus on state procurement practices, as it is specific to federal acquisitions and not intended to govern state-level contracting. Similarly, regulating private sector contracts falls outside the scope of the FAR, which is primarily concerned with federal contracts and does not apply directly to interactions between private entities.