Coalition for Academic Scientific Computation Response to the FAR Overhaul (RFO) Initiative

The Coalition for Academic Scientific Computation (CASC) recommends establishing a “University Research FAR Subset” tailored to academic research and requiring prime contractors to automatically flow this subset to university subcontracts. CASC also urges the inclusion of clear guidance on fundamental research determinations and data applicability at the outset of contracts, as well as clarification of intellectual property and data rights to support open science. To align with modern research practices, CASC calls for FAR clauses that reflect best practices in secure data management, long-term preservation, high-performance computing, and collaborative environments. CASC looks forward to continued engagement with OMB, federal agencies, and stakeholders to ensure the FAR Overhaul strengthens research innovation while reducing unnecessary administrative burdens for academic institutions.