(a) Authority to authorize individual deviations from the FAR and VAAR is delegated to the SPE and is further delegated to the DSPE.

(b) When a contracting officer considers it necessary to deviate from the policies in the FAR or VAAR, the contracting officer, in accordance with Administration or staff office procedures, must submit a request through the HCA to the DSPE for authority to deviate.

(c) The request to deviate must clearly state the circumstances warranting the deviation and the nature of the deviation.

(d) The DSPE may authorize individual deviations from the FAR and VAAR when an individual deviation is in the best interest of the Government. When the DSPE authorizes a deviation, the contracting officer must file the authorization in the purchase order or contract file.