Contract Policies & Regulations

Topics on this page: HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) | HHS Acquisition Policies | Efficient Spending on Conferences and Meetings

HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR)

The HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) implements and supplements the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and provides the regulatory framework for conducting acquisitions across the Department. 

The HHSAR is managed by the HHS Office of Acquisitions.

HHSAR Class Deviations

The HHS Senior Procurement Executive issues HHSAR deviations to deviate from the HHSAR when necessary to meet the specific needs and requirements of HHS.

The following HHSAR Class Deviations are in effect:

1. HHSAR Class Deviation 2023-01, Class Deviation from Part 339, Acquisition of Information Technology; Standards for Health Information Technology
2. HHSAR Class Deviation 2023-02, Implementation of the Make Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in America Act Requirements
3. HHSAR Class Deviation 2024-01, Class Deviation from Part 339, Acquisition of Information Technology; Other Parts; Supply Chain Risk Management
4. HHSAR Class Deviation 2025-01, Supply Chain Risk Assessments – (PDF version) (508-compliant Word version)

HHS Acquisition Policies

HHS acquisition policies provided in this area are those that directly affect businesses.

• Implementation of the Requirements of the FY2012 HHS Appropriations Acts And HHS’ Non-Discrimination Policy
  • Salary Rate Limitation Questions and Answers
• Prohibition Against Contracting with Corporations with a Felony Criminal Conviction Under Federal or State Law or an Unpaid Federal Tax Liability
• OFPP Policy Letter 11-01, Performance of Inherently Governmental and Critical Functions, 10-12-2011

Efficient Spending on Conferences and Meetings

• HHS Policy on Promoting Efficient Spending (January 23, 2015): Use of Appropriated Funds for Conferences and Meetings, Food, Promotional Items, and Printing and Publications
  • Attachment 1: HHS Policy on Use of Appropriated Funds for Conferences and Meeting Space (December 16, 2013)
    • Exhibit 1: Conference Spending Provisions of the HHS Appropriations Act
    • Exhibit 2: List of Meetings and Events that are Not Conferences
    • Exhibit 3: Conference Expenses and Reporting Requirements
  • Attachment 2: HHS Policy on Use of Appropriated Funds for Food
  • Attachment 3: HHS Policy on Use of Appropriated Funds for Promotional Items
  • Attachment 4: HHS Policy on Printing and Publications
• Conference Spending Reports
  These reports include information about conferences held by HHS where costs exceed $100,000.
  • FY 2021 Report on Conferences Sponsored by HHS Staff Divisions
  • FY 2020 Report on Conferences Sponsored by HHS Staff Divisions
    • Scientific Meetings
  • FY 2019 Report on Conferences Sponsored by HHS Staff Divisions
  • FY 2018 Report on Conferences Sponsored by HHS Staff Divisions
  • FY 2017 Report on Conferences Sponsored by HHS Staff Divisions
    • FY 2017 Report on Conference Spending by HHS Staff Divisions
  • FY 2016 Report on Conferences Sponsored by HHS Staff Divisions
    • FY 2016 Report on Conference Spending by HHS Staff Divisions
  • FY 2016 Reports on Conference Spending by HHS Operating Divisions:
    • Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
    • Administration for Community Living (ACL)
    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
    • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
    • Indian Health Service (IHS)
    • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  • FY 2015 Report on Conferences Sponsored by HHS Staff Divisions
    • FY 2015 Report on Conference Spending by HHS Staff Divisions
  • FY 2015 Reports on Conference Spending by HHS Operating Divisions:
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (Not yet available)
    • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
    • Indian Health Services (IHS)
    • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
    • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
    • Administration for Community Living (ACL)
    • Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
  • FY 2014 Conference Spending Summary
    • Conference Spending by Agency
  • FY 2013 Conference Spending Summary
    • Conference Spending by Agency
  • FY 2012 Conference Spending Summary
    • Conference Spending