In plain English
FAR 52.252-6, Authorized Deviations in Clauses, is a contract clause prescribed at FAR 52.107(f), most recently dated Nov 2020. 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 52.107(f), insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts that include any FAR or supplemental clause with an authorized deviation. Whenever any FAR or supplemental clause is used with an authorized deviation, the contracting officer shall identify it by the same number, title, and date assigned to the clause when it is used without deviation, include regulation name for any supplemental clause, except that the contracting officer shall insert "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.
Prescribing reference: FAR 52.107(f).
The official text, verbatim
As prescribed in 52.107(f), insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts that include any FAR or supplemental clause with an authorized deviation. Whenever any FAR or supplemental clause is used with an authorized deviation, the contracting officer shall identify it by the same number, title, and date assigned to the clause when it is used without deviation, include regulation name for any supplemental clause, except that the contracting officer shall insert "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.
Authorized Deviations in Clauses (Nov 2020)
-
(a) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.
-
(b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any _____ [insert regulation name] (48 CFR _____) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.
(End of clause)