Contractor Acquired Property Definition: What Does It Mean?

If you’re in the business of government contracting or looking to engage in government contracting, you may have come across the term “contractor acquired property.” But what does it actually mean and how does it affect your business? In this article, we’ll delve into the definition of contractor acquired property and its implications on government contracting.

Contractor acquired property (CAP) refers to any property that a contractor acquires or purchases for use in the fulfillment of a government contract. This can include equipment, materials, or other tangible assets that are necessary for the completion of the contract. As such, these items are considered a part of the contract and fall under the jurisdiction of the government.

There are several types of CAP that may be involved in a government contract. These can include:

– Government-furnished property (GFP): This is property that the government provides to the contractor for use in fulfilling the contract. This can include items such as equipment, tools, or vehicles.

– Contractor-acquired property (CAP): As previously mentioned, this is property that the contractor acquires or purchases for use in the contract.

– Government property furnished for repair or alteration (GPRA): This is property that the government provides to the contractor for the purpose of repairing or altering it.

– Property provided by the contractor (PPC): This is property that the contractor provides to the government as a part of the contract, such as software or technical data.

All of these types of property are subject to various regulations and requirements when it comes to government contracting. There are specific rules that dictate how these items are purchased, used, and disposed of, and failure to comply with these regulations can have serious consequences.

One important factor to consider is the issue of ownership. While the contractor may have acquired the property, it is ultimately the property of the government. This means that the government has the right to access, control, and dispose of the property as it sees fit. Additionally, the government may impose certain restrictions or requirements on the use of the property during and after the completion of the contract.

Another important implication of CAP is the issue of cost. The government will generally reimburse the contractor for the cost of acquiring and using the property during the course of the contract. However, there may be restrictions on the amount of reimbursement that is allowed, as well as specific requirements for documentation and reporting of these costs.

In summary, contractor acquired property refers to any property that a contractor acquires or purchases for use in the fulfillment of a government contract. This property is subject to various regulations and requirements, including ownership, use, and cost considerations. As such, it is important for government contractors to understand the implications of CAP and ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable regulations.