FAR 52.216-20 — Definite Quantity

Contract clause · dated Oct 1995 · prescribed in FAR 16.506(c) · current through FAC 2026-01

In plain English

FAR 52.216-20, Definite Quantity, is a contract clause prescribed at FAR 16.506(c), most recently dated Oct 1995. The complete official text is reproduced below, verbatim, from GSA's published FAR source files.

Its text contains no sentence requiring insertion into subcontracts; see the flowdown section below for what that does and does not mean.

Does it flow down to subcontracts?

No flowdown mandate found in the clause text

We scanned the full clause text and found no sentence directing the contractor to insert this clause into subcontracts. That is a statement about the text, not legal advice: a prime contractor may still flow terms down contractually, an agency supplement (DFARS, VAAR, …) may add requirements, and clauses listed below (if any) may order this clause into subcontracts from the outside.

Where it's prescribed

As prescribed in 16.506(c), insert the following clause:

Prescribing reference: FAR 16.506(c).

The official text, verbatim

FAR 52.216-20 · Oct 1995 current through FAC 2026-01 acquisition.gov eCFR (48 CFR)

As prescribed in 16.506(c), insert the following clause:

Definite Quantity (Oct 1995)

  • (a) This is a definite-quantity, indefinite-delivery contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule.

  • (b) The Government shall order the quantity of supplies or services specified in the Schedule, and the Contractor shall furnish them when ordered. Delivery or performance shall be at locations designated in orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause and the Schedule.

  • (c) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

  • (d) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that time shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor’s and Government’s rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract’s effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after ________________ [insert date].

(End of clause)

The text above is reproduced from GSA's published FAR source files (GSA/GSA-Acquisition-FAR @ da52ccb (2026-03-30)), retrieved 2026-07-17. The official publication at acquisition.gov / eCFR controls if they differ.