What is DFARS?

DFARS stands for Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement. It is the set of rules the Department of Defense adds on top of the federal-wide acquisition regulation (FAR) to govern how the Pentagon buys goods and services.

DFARS covers everything from cybersecurity requirements (especially the CMMC framework) to small-business set-asides, supply-chain protections, and clauses specific to defense work. If you work with the DoD as a vendor, DFARS is the rulebook that applies in addition to the FAR.