Which FAR rule must be considered when determining allocability of costs within a contract?

The determination of allocability of costs within a contract is governed by FAR 31.201-4, which specifically addresses the principles of allocating costs to contracts in a manner that is consistent, reasonable, and allowable. This regulation provides guidelines for what constitutes allocable costs, focusing on how costs should be distributed to different segments of a contract or various contracts.

Allocability is a critical aspect of cost accounting because it ensures that costs can be appropriately attributed to specific cost objectives, which is essential for both contract pricing and compliance with federal regulations. FAR 31.201-4 outlines criteria such as the necessity for costs to be incurred specifically for the contract, the benefits from the costs attributable to the contract, and the relatedness of the costs to the performance of the contract.

Understanding this FAR section helps ensure that contractors and contracting officers maintain compliance with cost principles, leading to accurate billing and governmental accountability in the management of federal funds. The other FAR sections listed do not directly address the issue of allocability of costs, making FAR 31.201-4 the most relevant and correct choice for this question.