AFI51-305 — Acquisition Law And Litigation

AFI51-305 governs Air Force acquisition and commercial law, litigation, and related policy matters involving personnel or the Air Force.

Search AFI51-305

  • Publication number: AFI51-305
  • Title: ACQUISITION LAW AND LITIGATION
  • Date: 2019-04-04

View AFI51-305 on armypubs.army.mil


It describes roles and responsibilities for complying with federal acquisition laws and regulations, including acquisition disputes, bid protests, claims, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. It establishes Judge Advocate General’s Corps management responsibilities and support functions for contract disputes and litigation.

Applies to: This publication applies to all Air Force personnel, including Air Force civilian employees, service members, and contractors as well as organizations in the Regular Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Civil Air Patrol units when operating as an auxiliary of the Air Force.

Topics covered

  • Acquisition and commercial law disputes
  • Bid protests and claims
  • Acquisition and commercial litigation
  • Alternative dispute resolution
  • Fiscal law advice
  • Source selection litigation risk
  • Agency records assembly

Questions and answers

What is AFI51-305 intended to describe?

The purpose of this instruction is to describe the roles and responsibilities of judge advocates, commanders and other Air Force personnel in ensuring compliance with federal acquisition laws and regulations.

What must AF/JAQ develop for acquisition and commercial law support?

Develop core competencies for acquisition and commercial law support, and review and evaluate the performance of such support. (paragraph 1-14)

When is advice provided during the source selection process?

Advice will be provided at key decision points in the source selection process (to include solicitation release, competitive range determination, and award decision phases), as well as other points during source selection as requested by program executive officers. (paragraph 51-3)

How must records created under AFI51-305 be handled?

Ensure all records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication are maintained in accordance with Air Force Manual 33-363, Management of Records, and disposed of in accordance with the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule located in the Air Force Records Information Management System.

What does AFI51-305 say about coordinating advice to program executive officers?

All advice provided to program executive officers shall be coordinated through the lead SAF/GCQ attorney for the program, and will be developed in collaboration with program legal offices. (paragraph 51-3)

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