Who develops a solicitation? - ANSWER The government, and the buyer
Who prepares an offer? - ANSWER The contractor, and the seller
During the post award phase while the contract is being performed, who has responsibility
for quality? - ANSWER The seller
Acquisition - ANSWER FAR 2.101 tells us Acquisition means the acquiring by contract
with appropriated funds of supplies or services (including construction) by and for the use of
the Federal Government through purchase or lease, whether the supplies or services are
already in existence or must be created, developed, demonstrated, and evaluated.
Acquisition begins at the point when agency needs are established and includes the
description of requirements to satisfy agency needs, solicitation and selection of sources,
award of contracts, contract financing, contract performance, contract administration, and
those technical and management functions directly related to the process of fulfilling agency
needs by contract.
Acquisition Team - ANSWER FAR 1.102-3 describes the Acquisition Team as consisting
of all participants in Government acquisition including not only representatives of the
technical, supply, and procurement communities but also the customers they serve, and the
contractors who provide the products and services.
The KO's Role on the Acquisition Team - ANSWER FAR 1.102-4(a) states Government
members of the Acquisition Team must be empowered to make acquisition decisions within
their areas of responsibility, including selection, negotiation, and administration of contracts
consistent with the Guiding Principles. In particular, the contracting officer must have the
authority to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with law, to determine the
application of rules, regulations, and policies, on a specific contract.
1
, KO Appointments - ANSWER FAR 1.603-2 requires appointing officials, when selecting
contracting officers, to consider the complexity and dollar value of the acquisitions to be
assigned and the candidate's experience, training, education, business acumen, judgment,
character, and reputation.
Examples of selection criteria - ANSWER -Experience in Government contracting and
administration, commercial purchasing, or related fields.
-Education or special training in business administration, law, accounting, engineering, or
related fields.
Knowledge of acquisition policies and procedures, including this and other applicable
regulations.
-Specialized knowledge in the particular assigned field of contracting.
-Satisfactory completion of acquisition training courses.
DOD KO Requirements - ANSWER DFARS 201.603-2 tells us that in order to qualify to
serve as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts for amounts
above the simplified acquisition threshold, a person must:
-Have completed all contracting courses required for a contracting officer to serve in the
grade in which the employee or member of the armed forces will serve.
-Have at least 2 years experience in a contracting position.
-Have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution.
-Meet such additional requirements, based on the dollar value and complexity of the
contracts awarded or administered in the position, as may be established by the Secretary of
Defense.
-DFARS 201.603-2(2) also lists several exceptions and amplifications to the above
qualifications for contracting officer appointments.
FAR 1.602-2 - ANSWER Contracting officers are responsible for ensuring performance
of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of the
contract , and safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships.
2
Who prepares an offer? - ANSWER The contractor, and the seller
During the post award phase while the contract is being performed, who has responsibility
for quality? - ANSWER The seller
Acquisition - ANSWER FAR 2.101 tells us Acquisition means the acquiring by contract
with appropriated funds of supplies or services (including construction) by and for the use of
the Federal Government through purchase or lease, whether the supplies or services are
already in existence or must be created, developed, demonstrated, and evaluated.
Acquisition begins at the point when agency needs are established and includes the
description of requirements to satisfy agency needs, solicitation and selection of sources,
award of contracts, contract financing, contract performance, contract administration, and
those technical and management functions directly related to the process of fulfilling agency
needs by contract.
Acquisition Team - ANSWER FAR 1.102-3 describes the Acquisition Team as consisting
of all participants in Government acquisition including not only representatives of the
technical, supply, and procurement communities but also the customers they serve, and the
contractors who provide the products and services.
The KO's Role on the Acquisition Team - ANSWER FAR 1.102-4(a) states Government
members of the Acquisition Team must be empowered to make acquisition decisions within
their areas of responsibility, including selection, negotiation, and administration of contracts
consistent with the Guiding Principles. In particular, the contracting officer must have the
authority to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with law, to determine the
application of rules, regulations, and policies, on a specific contract.
1
, KO Appointments - ANSWER FAR 1.603-2 requires appointing officials, when selecting
contracting officers, to consider the complexity and dollar value of the acquisitions to be
assigned and the candidate's experience, training, education, business acumen, judgment,
character, and reputation.
Examples of selection criteria - ANSWER -Experience in Government contracting and
administration, commercial purchasing, or related fields.
-Education or special training in business administration, law, accounting, engineering, or
related fields.
Knowledge of acquisition policies and procedures, including this and other applicable
regulations.
-Specialized knowledge in the particular assigned field of contracting.
-Satisfactory completion of acquisition training courses.
DOD KO Requirements - ANSWER DFARS 201.603-2 tells us that in order to qualify to
serve as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts for amounts
above the simplified acquisition threshold, a person must:
-Have completed all contracting courses required for a contracting officer to serve in the
grade in which the employee or member of the armed forces will serve.
-Have at least 2 years experience in a contracting position.
-Have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution.
-Meet such additional requirements, based on the dollar value and complexity of the
contracts awarded or administered in the position, as may be established by the Secretary of
Defense.
-DFARS 201.603-2(2) also lists several exceptions and amplifications to the above
qualifications for contracting officer appointments.
FAR 1.602-2 - ANSWER Contracting officers are responsible for ensuring performance
of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of the
contract , and safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships.
2
