2.1. Introduction.These Standards address the content and level of information and analysis required to communicate the results of an appraisal prepared for federal property acquisitions. These Standards are intended to establish requirements for appraisal report content and documentation. These Standards are not, however, intended to establish an absolute requirement for appraisal report formatting. The report formats described in Section 2.3, consisting of a four-part appraisal report for total acquisition appraisals and a seven-part appraisal report for partial acquisition appraisals, are recommended guides that agencies can modify as appropriate for agency needs. Appraisers are cautioned to closely examine their appraisal contract or assignment letter for report formatting requirements, as many agencies mandate report formatting in accordance with the recommendations herein. For ease of reference, the recommended formatting for appraisal reports is shown in the addenda of these Standards, marked as Appendix B and Appendix C. 

These Standards also address the additional content and documentation requirements for appraisal reports to be used by appraisers who will testify as expert witnesses in federal court under Rule 26(a)(2)(B) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Finally, the reporting requirements for leasehold acquisitions and project appraisal reports are addressed under Sections 2.4 and 2.5 respectively.