# 48 C.F.R. § 326.603-3 (2026): Deviations

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_603_3

## Section

- **Citation:** 48 C.F.R. § 326.603-3 (2026)
- **Heading:** Deviations
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 48 CFR: Federal Acquisition Regulations System / Chapter 3 / Part 326 / Subpart 326.6 / § 326.603-3: Deviations.

## Text

(a) There are certain instances where the application of the Buy Indian Act to an acquisition may not be appropriate. In these instances, the CO must detail the reasons in writing or via email and make a deviation determination. (b) Some acquisitions by their very nature would make such a written determination unnecessary. For example, any order or call placed against an indefinite delivery vehicle that already has an approved deviation from the requirements of the Buy Indian Act. (c) Deviation determinations shall be required for all other acquisitions where the Buy Indian Act is applicable and must be approved as follows: Table 1 to Paragraph ( c ) For a proposed contract action The following official may authorize a deviation Exceeding the micro-purchase threshold and up to $25,000 Contracting Officer. Exceeding $25,000 but not exceeding $700,000 Chief Contracting Officer (CCO) (or the IHS Division of Acquisition Policy (DAP) Director, absent a CCO). Exceeding $700,000 but not exceeding $13.5 million IHS Competition Advocate. Exceeding $13.5 million but not exceeding $68 million Head of Contracting Activity. Exceeding $68 million HHS Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), HHS Department Competition Advocate and
the HHS Senior Procurement Executive. (d) Deviations may be authorized prior to issuing the solicitation when the CO makes the following determinations and takes the following actions: (1) The CO determines after market research that there is no reasonable expectation of obtaining offers that will be competitive in terms of market price, quality and delivery from two or more responsible ISBEEs or IEEs. (2) The deviation determination is authorized by the official listed at HHSAR 326.603-3(c) for the applicable contract action. (e) If a deviation determination has been approved, the CO must follow the FAR and HHSAR unless specified otherwise
asonable expectation of obtaining offers that will be competitive in terms of market price, quality and delivery from two or more responsible ISBEEs or IEEs. (2) The deviation determination is authorized by the official listed at HHSAR 326.603-3(c) for the applicable contract action. (e) If a deviation determination has been approved, the CO must follow the FAR and HHSAR unless specified otherwise. (f) Acquisitions made under an authorized deviation from the requirements of the Buy Indian Act must be made in conformance with the order of precedence required by FAR Part 8.002.

## Nearby sections

- [48 C.F.R. § 326.600-1 (2026) Scope of part.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_600_1.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.600-2 (2026) Buy Indian Act acquisition regulations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_600_2.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.601 (2026) Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_601.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.602-1 (2026) Scope of part.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_602_1.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.602-2 (2026) Restrictions on the use of the Buy Indian Act.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_602_2.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.603-1 (2026) Requirement to give preference to Indian Economic Enterprises.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_603_1.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.603-2 (2026) Delegations and responsibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_603_2.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.603-3 (2026) Deviations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_603_3.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.604-1 (2026) General.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_604_1.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.604-2 (2026) Procedures for Acquisitions under the Buy Indian Act.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_604_2.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.604-3 (2026) Debarment and suspension.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_604_3.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.605-1 (2026) Subcontracting limitations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_605_1.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.605-2 (2026) Performance and payment bonds.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_605_2.md)
- [48 C.F.R. § 326.606-1 (2026) General.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_606_1.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T48_P326_S326_603_3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.