Definitions - U

UCF - Uniform Contract Format

UFAS - Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards

Ultimate Treatment (Historic Structure Report)
A general definition of a structure's development limits based on considerations of use and the historic character that should be presented to the public. It is accomplished through one or more construction projects, after which the structure is preserved by preservation maintenance. The categories of ultimate treatment are preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction.

Ultimate Treatment and Use (Historic Structure Report)
A narrative that discusses and analyzes the ultimate treatment and use of the structure as defined in park planning documents. If they have not been defined, this narrative may recommend an ultimate treatment and use. If analysis of the structure suggests that a planned treatment or use would adversely affect it, the text may present an alternative approach.

Unauthorized Commitment
An agreement that is not binding solely because the Government representative who made it lacked the authority to enter into that agreement on behalf of the Government. (FAR 1.602-3(a))

As referred to in Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, an undertaking is any federal, federally assisted, federally licensed, or federally sanctioned project, activity, or program that can result in changes in the character or use of historic properties. Undertakings include new and continuing projects, programs, and activities that are:

  1. directly undertaken by federal agencies;
  2. supported in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by federal agencies;
  3. carried out pursuant to a federal lease, permit, license, approval, or other form of permission; or
  4. proposed by a federal agency for congressional authorization or appropriation.

Undertakings may or may not be site-specific. (See 36 CFR 800.2[0] and section 301[7] of the National Historic Preservation Act.)

Uniform Contract Format (UCF)
The solicitation and contract format commonly used for most noncommercial supplies and services. The format is divided in parts and sections:

Part I -- The Schedule:

  1. Solicitation/contract form;
  2. Supplies or services and prices;
  3. Description/specifications;
  4. Packaging and marking;
  5. Inspection and acceptance;
  6. Deliveries or performance;
  7. Contract administration data; and
  8. Special contract requirements.

Part II -- Contract Clauses:

  1. Contract clauses

Part III -- List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments:

  1. List of documents, exhibits, and other attachments.

Part IV -- Representations and Instructions:

  1. Representations, certifications, and other statements of bidders;
  2. Instructions, conditions, and notices to bidders; and
  3. Evaluation factors for award. (FAR 15.204-1(a), FAR Table 15-1)

Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)

This document sets standards for facility accessibility by persons with disabilities for Federal and federally-funded facilities. These standards are to be applied during the design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities to the extent required by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended.

Unilateral Modification
A contract modification that is signed only by the Contracting Officer. Unilateral modifications are used, for example, to:

  1. Make administrative changes;
  2. Issue change orders;
  3. Make changes authorized by clauses other than a changes clause (e.g., Property clause, Options clause, Suspension of Work clause, etc.); and
  4. Issue termination notices. (FAR 43.103(b))

United States Department Of Transportation (USDOT) or (DOT)
The Federal cabinet-level agency responsible for highways, mass transit, aviation and ports; headed by the secretary of transportation. The DOT includes the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, among others.

Universal Design
The design of products, communications, and environments usable by people of all ages, sizes, and abilities (including disabilities) without the need for special assistance or specialized design, e.g. a person with a disability, a stroller, on crutches or an ambulatory person could all use the same entrance.

Universal design makes indiscernible the distinction between accessible and inaccessible when evaluating constructed and programmatic components of a facility. This can include any or all of the following project considerations: site arrival, access paths (interior and exterior), functional spaces and shared services, special features, furnishings, millwork, fixtures and appliances, and exhibits and media to facilitate full participation in activities offered at a facility or site.

There are 7 Universal Design Principles.

See United States Department of Transportation.

How the structure will be utilized following realization of its ultimate treatment. The function(s) the structure will serve and the activities which will take place within the structure.

See Fish and Wildlife Service.


Last updated: November 15, 2016