QUESTIONS WITH A+ GRADED ANSWERS
Cost Realism
FAR 2.101 - The costs in an offeror's proposal--
(1) Are realistic for the work to be performed;
(2) Reflect a clear understanding of the requirements; and
(3) Are consistent with the various elements of the offeror's technical proposal.
When to ask for proposal audits from DCAA
DFARS PGI 215.404-2(c)
Fixed Price > $10M
Cost Plus > $100M
Legal Review Thresholds
AFFARS 5301.602-2
- All J&As > $650K
- Operational Contracting Actions > $500K
- Non-Operational Contracting Actions > $1M
D&F Content
- Identification of the agency, contracting activity and that document is a "Determination and
Findings"
- Nature and/or description of action being approved
- Citation of appropriate statute/regulation D&F is based on
- Findings detailing circumstances, facts and reasoning to support determination
- Expiration date of D&F
- Signature of authorized official and date signed
Purpose of Clearance process
Ensure that:
- Contract actions effectively implement approved acq. Strategies
- Negotiations and contract actions result in fair and reasonable arrangements
- Negotiations and contract actions are consistent with laws, regulations, and policies
- An independent review for the proposed contract action is accomplished
Clearance Approval Authority Thresholds
$5M < $50M - Two levels below SCCO
$50M < &100M - One level below SCCO
Noncompetitive
> $100M < $500M
Competitive
> $10 < $1B - SCCO
Noncompetitive
> $500M
Competitive
,> $1B - DAS(C)/ADAS(C) (SAF/AQC) for Business Clearance - SCCO for Contract Clearance
When Contract Action Report (CAR) is required
For all contract actions > MPT and any modifications to those actions that change previously reported
CAR data, regardless of dollar value
Pre-award publicizing requirements
> $15K < $25K - Display solicitation in public place for 10 days
> $25K - Publish synopsis at least 15 days prior to solicitation
Post award synopsis requirement
Contract awards > $25K that are:
- covered by the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement or a Free Trade
Agreement or
- Likely to result in any subcontracts
Threshold for Public Announcement of Contract Award
$7M
Exceptions to Full and Open Competition
1) Only one responsible source
2) Unusual and compelling urgency
3) Industrial mobilization; Engineering, Development, or Research Capability; or Expert Services
4) International agreement
5) Authorized or required by statute
6) National Security
7) Public interest
J&A Approval Thresholds
$700K or below - Contracting Officer
$700K - $13.5M - Competition Advocate
$13.5M - $93M - SCCO if SES/GO, otherwise CC
> $93M - Senior Procurement Executive (SAF/AQ)
Written Acquisition Plan Thresholds
> SAT < $10M - Streamlined Acquisition Strategy Summary (SASS)
$10M or more - Acquisition Plan
, Acq. Plan contents
1. Acq. Background & Objectives
- statement of need
- applicable conditions
-cost
- capability or performance
- delivery or performance
- trade-offs
- risks
- Acq. Streamlining
2. Plan of Action
- sources
- competition
- contract type selection
- source-selection procedures
- acquisition considerations
- budgeting and funding
- product or service descriptions
- priorities, allocations, and allotments
- contractor v. Gov't performance
- inherently gov't functions
- management info. Requirements
- make or buy
- test and evaluation
- logistics considerations
- GFP
- GFI
- environmental and energy conservation objectives
- security considerations
- contract admin.
- other considerations
- milestones
- Acq. Plan participants
When is an ASP required
For all ACAT & AFPEO/CM acquisitions
For Other Contracting - $10M or more (when Acq. Plan is required)
FAR parts not required when using multiple award Federal Supply Schedules
Parts 13, 14, 15 and 19
Procedures for compliance with fair opportunity to compete on multiple award federal supply
schedule contracts
At or below MPT - may place orders with any Federal Supply Schedule contractor that meets agency's
needs
> MPT < SAT - Solicit at least three schedule contractors
> SAT - Provide RFQ to as many supply schedule contractors as practicle
Responsible Contractor
- Has adequate financial resources