# 5352.201-9101 Ombudsman

## RESCINDED

This clause was rescinded effective March 18, 2026 by Contract Policy Memo 26-C-13. DAFFARS has been superseded by the DAF Contracting Compass. Do not include this clause in new solicitations or contracts.

Type: Provision
Current version date: JUL 2023

## Prescription and Applicability

## Current Text

As prescribed in 5301.9103 Solicitation Provision and Contract Clause, insert the following clause:

OMBUDSMAN (JUL 2023)

(a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern.

(b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).

(c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsman, [Insert names, addresses, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, and e-mail addresses of Center/MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU/DAFRCO ombudsman/ombudsmen]. Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Department of the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571) 256-2395, facsimile number (571) 256-2431.
(d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.
(e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer.

(End of clause)

## Suggested Questions

You can ask your AI assistant:
- Should I include this provision in my solicitation?
- Does this clause apply to commercial acquisitions?
- Does this clause apply to R&D contracts under Part 35?
- Which alternate should I use for a multiple-award contract?
- Are there any active Class Deviations that modify this clause?
- What changed in the most recent amendment?

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Source: https://part52.dev
Generated: 2026-04-21 17:40 UTC
Reference: https://acquisition.gov/daffars