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FAR 52.236-23 — Responsibility of the Architect-Engineer Contractor

Contract clause · dated Apr 1984 · prescribed in FAR 36.609-2(b) · current through FAC 2026-01

In plain English

FAR 52.236-23, Responsibility of the Architect-Engineer Contractor, is a contract clause prescribed at FAR 36.609-2(b), most recently dated Apr 1984. 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 36.609-2(b), insert the following clause:

Prescribing reference: FAR 36.609-2(b).

The official text, verbatim

FAR 52.236-23 · Apr 1984 current through FAC 2026-01 acquisition.gov eCFR (48 CFR)

As prescribed in 36.609-2(b), insert the following clause:

Responsibility of the Architect-Engineer Contractor (Apr 1984)

  • (a) The Contractor shall be responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, and the coordination of all designs, drawings, specifications, and other services furnished by the Contractor under this contract. The Contractor shall, without additional compensation, correct or revise any errors or deficiencies in its designs, drawings, specifications, and other services.

  • (b) Neither the Government’s review, approval or acceptance of, nor payment for, the services required under this contract shall be construed to operate as a waiver of any rights under this contract or of any cause of action arising out of the performance of this contract, and the Contractor shall be and remain liable to the Government in accordance with applicable law for all damages to the Government caused by the Contractor’s negligent performance of any of the services furnished under this contract.

  • (c) The rights and remedies of the Government provided for under this contract are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law.

  • (d) If the Contractor is comprised of more than one legal entity, each such entity shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder.

(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.