Plan Solicitation Flashcards
What is the purpose of a needs assessment?
A needs assessment identifies and characterizes gaps in existing capabilities that impede achieving mission area objectives.
What should requirements be stated in terms of?
Requirements should be stated in terms of function, performance, and essential physical characteristics.
What can needs assessments lead to?
Needs assessments may lead to a new development or process improvement program or a revalidation and review of existing needs.
How should the work be described in a requirements analysis?
The work should be described in terms of required results, rather than how the work is to be accomplished or the number of hours to be provided.
What does conducting a requirements analysis involve?
It involves a systematic review of the requirement based on guidance from stakeholders during the planning phase.
Who is responsible for conducting a needs assessment to determine operational capabilities?
The user community is responsible for conducting a needs assessment.
What should be performed once a need has been identified?
A requirements analysis should be performed on the requirement (need).
What are the key components identified in a requirements analysis?
The essential processes and outputs or results required.
What is the basis for establishing high-level objectives in a requirements analysis?
The analysis of the requirements is the basis for establishing high-level objectives.
What documents are developed as a result of a requirements analysis?
The Performance Work Statement (PWS) and the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) are developed.
What is the focus of the Development Phase in the DoD Service Acquisition Process?
The Development Phase focuses on defining High Level Objectives and tasks, standards, allowable variations, and method(s) of inspection.
Why is forming the team the first step in the Planning Phase of the DoD Service Acquisition Process?
Forming the team is crucial as it brings together the necessary expertise and stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and to develop an effective acquisition strategy.
What are the three phases of the DoD Service Acquisition Process?
The three phases are Planning Phase, Development Phase, and Execution Phase.
What is the purpose of the DoD Service Acquisition Process?
The DoD Service Acquisition Process is a method used by the DoD to acquire services from private industry, instrumental in shaping the requirement as it moves through the acquisition process.
Who should be included in the acquisition planning team?
The acquisition planning team should consist of all those responsible for significant aspects of the acquisition, including contracting, small business, fiscal, legal, and technical personnel.
What should the planner do if contract performance is in a designated operational area?
The planner should consider the inclusion of the combatant commander or chief of mission, as appropriate.
How often should the acquisition plan be reviewed?
The acquisition plan should be reviewed at key dates specified in the plan or whenever significant changes occur, and no less often than annually.
What is the significance of reviewing previous plans during acquisition planning?
Reviewing previous plans helps the planner to discuss them with key personnel involved in similar acquisitions, which can inform and improve the current acquisition strategy.
What is the purpose of the acquisition planning phase?
The acquisition planning phase aims to begin as soon as the agency need is identified, preferably well in advance of the fiscal year in which contract award or order placement is necessary.
What is the role of the Acquisition Team in relation to the requirement?
The Acquisition Team, led by the program manager or user, brings together cross-functional individuals to understand the requirement, its relation to the mission, and to develop an executable strategy in support of the mission.
What questions should the Acquisition Team ask to verify the continued need for an identified output?
The Acquisition Team should ask: Who needs the output or result? Why is the output needed? What is done with it? What occurs as a result? Is it worth the effort and cost?
What are the conditions under which contracting officers shall provide property to contractors according to FAR 45.102(b)?
Contracting officers shall provide property to contractors only when it is clearly demonstrated to be in the Government’s best interest, the overall benefit to the acquisition significantly outweighs the increased cost of administration, providing the property does not substantially increase the Government’s assumption of risk, and Government requirements cannot otherwise be met.
What is the policy regarding small business concerns competing for government contracts?
Small business concerns shall be afforded an equitable opportunity to compete for all contracts that they can perform to the extent consistent with the Government’s interest.
Is the contractor’s inability or unwillingness to supply its own resources a valid reason for the furnishing or acquisition of property?
No, the contractor’s inability or unwillingness to supply its own resources is not sufficient reason for the furnishing or acquisition of property.
What does the Anti-Deficiency Act prohibit?
Creating or authorizing an obligation in excess of the funds available or in advance of appropriations.
What must a contracting officer obtain before executing any contract?
Written assurance from responsible fiscal authority that adequate funds are available or condition the contract upon availability of funds.
What should be established on a realistic basis to encourage small business participation?
Delivery schedules.
What is the purpose of dividing proposed acquisitions into reasonably small lots?
To permit offers on quantities less than the total requirement and to allow more than one small business concern to perform the work.
What does market research mean according to FAR 2.101?
Market research means collecting and analyzing information about capabilities within the market to satisfy agency needs.
What are the job tasks associated with market research in the DoD Contracting Competency Model?
The job tasks associated with market research are identifying potential suppliers and evaluating requirement achievability.
What is market research?
Market research is a continuous process of gathering data on business and industry trends, characteristics of products and services, suppliers’ capabilities, and related business practices to make informed decisions about meeting the needs of the Department of Defense (DoD) with commercial products or services.
How does the DoD utilize market research?
The DoD utilizes market research to determine the availability of commercial products and services, identify market practices, and stay informed about the latest developments in products and services.
Why is market research important for the Department of Defense (DoD)?
Market research is important for the DoD as it helps determine if sources capable of satisfying the agency’s requirements exist and aids in understanding the commercial market for necessary products and services.
What is the purpose of continuous market research?
The purpose of continuous market research is to collect information to maximize reliance on the commercial marketplace and to benefit from its capabilities, technologies, and competitive forces in meeting an agency need.
How does market research benefit the government in acquisitions?
Market research enables the government to buy best-value products and services that solve mission-critical problems.
Why is market research required by FAR Part 10?
Market research is required to arm the acquisition team with the knowledge needed to conduct an effective acquisition and to determine the suitability of the marketplace for satisfying a need or requirement.
What is the Government’s policy regarding Market Research according to FAR 10.001?
Agencies must conduct market research ‘appropriate to the circumstances’ before developing new requirements, before soliciting offers for acquisitions above the SAT, before soliciting offers that could lead to a bundled contract, and on an ongoing basis to identify capabilities for meeting contingency contracting requirements.
How does market research help the acquisition team?
Market research helps the acquisition team by addressing both business and technical considerations of a requirement, enabling them to optimize their strategy.
What are the two types of market research?
The two types of market research are strategic market research (market surveillance) and tactical market research (market investigation).
What is the goal of market research in acquisition?
The goal of market research is to help the acquisition team become informed consumers, understand cost drivers, and research leverage in the marketplace to optimize a strategy for meeting their requirements.
When is strategic market research conducted?
Strategic market research is conducted continuously throughout the acquisition process, even before an acquisition program exists and continuing after it ends.
What is the focus of tactical market research?
Tactical market research is focused on answering specific questions about products, services, or capabilities in the market.
What should be continually considered when conducting tactical market research?
Users’ requirements need to be continually considered when doing tactical market research.
Why is a team effort usually the best approach for large and complex acquisitions in market research?
A team effort is usually the best approach because many functional areas may need information gathered during market research.
What is the purpose of tactical market research?
Tactical market research is designed to provide in-depth information to answer specific questions about the capabilities, products, or services available in the market.
Who should be involved in market research within military services and defense agencies?
A wide range of people are called upon to perform market research related to their area of expertise, as there is no specific group called ‘market researchers’.
Which personnel are typically involved in the market research process for larger teams?
Technical Specialist, User, Logistics Specialist, Testing Specialist, Cost Analyst, Contracting Officer, Legal Counsel.
Who may be involved in market research for small, low-dollar acquisitions?
Only one person may be involved in market research.
What information should Market Research results provide?
Market Research results should provide answers to questions regarding the existence of sources capable of satisfying the requirement, whether these sources are commercial items or non-developmental items (NDIs), and if modifications can be made to meet the requirement.
Why is there a preference for commerciality in Market Research?
There is a preference for commerciality because if the answer is ‘no’ to every step in the questions regarding sources, only then should noncommercial item development be considered. This is to avoid the costs and time associated with new item development, as commercial items often have competitive pricing that benefits the Government.
Why is it important to compare ‘apples to apples’ in market research?
It is important to ensure that all options are evaluated on a similar basis, considering the total price and other relevant factors.
What is one effective method of industry engagement mentioned?
‘Sources Sought’ solicitation is mentioned as an effective method of industry engagement.
What are the three considerations outlined in FAR 10.001(a)(3)(ii) regarding commercial items?
The three considerations are: (A) whether commercial items meet the agency’s requirements, (B) whether they could be modified to meet the requirements, or (C) whether the requirements could be modified to a reasonable extent to be met by commercial items.
What does FAR 10.002(c) require agencies to do?
FAR 10.002(c) requires agencies to reevaluate the need and determine if it can be restated to allow for commercial or non-developmental items to satisfy the agency’s needs.
What does FAR part 10 emphasize regarding market research?
FAR part 10 emphasizes using market research to understand current practices of firms in the industry, such as warranties, financing, maintenance, packaging, and marking.
What should contracting officers do when using evaluation factors in solicitations for commercial items?
Contracting officers may insert a provision similar to FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items, and tailor paragraph (a) to describe the evaluation factors and their relative importance.
What criteria are typically used to evaluate offers for commercial items?
The criteria typically include technical capability, price, and past performance.
Are contracting officers required to describe the relative importance of evaluation factors when using simplified acquisition procedures?
No, contracting officers are not required to describe the relative importance of evaluation factors when using simplified acquisition procedures in FAR Part 13.
What is the purpose of a Request for Information (RFI) in the acquisition process?
The purpose of a Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information from potential suppliers to help inform the acquisition strategy and requirements.
How may technical capability be evaluated for commercial items?
Technical capability may be evaluated by how well the proposed products meet the Government requirement instead of predetermined subfactors.
What is not required in solicitations for commercial items regarding technical capability?
Solicitations for commercial items do not have to contain subfactors for technical capability when the solicitation adequately describes the item’s intended use.
What must the contracting officer ensure regarding FAR 52.212-1 and FAR 52.212-2?
The contracting officer must ensure that the instructions and evaluation criteria are in agreement.
What should be documented when selecting the successful offeror?
The rationale for selection, including any trade-offs considered.
What does market research involve?
Collecting and analyzing information about capabilities within the market to satisfy agency needs.
What is the purpose of evaluating past performance according to FAR 13.106 or FAR Subpart 15.3?
To assess the past performance of offerors in accordance with established procedures.
What are the two different types of market research?
Tactical and Operational
Is market research a one-time step in the acquisition process?
False
What is FAR part 12 used for?
FAR part 12 - Acquisition of Commercial Items is used in conjunction with FAR parts 13, 14, and 15.
What defines a commercial product according to the FAR?
A commercial product is a product, other than real property, that is of a type customarily used by the general public or by nongovernmental entities for purposes other than governmental purposes.
What are the FAR parts that govern contracting methods?
FAR part 13 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures, FAR part 14 - Sealed Bidding, and FAR part 15 - Contracting by Negotiation.
What are considered minor modifications to a product in the context of government requirements?
Modifications that do not significantly alter the nongovernmental function or essential physical characteristics of an item or component, or change the purpose of a process.
What constitutes a combination of products under the definition provided?
Any combination of products meeting the requirements of previously defined paragraphs that are of a type customarily combined and sold.
What defines a product that has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public for governmental purposes?
A product that has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public, or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public.
What is a product that evolves from an existing product but is not yet available in the commercial marketplace?
A product that has evolved through advances in technology or performance and will be available in the commercial marketplace in time to satisfy delivery requirements under a Government solicitation.
What factors are considered to determine if a modification is minor?
Factors include the value and size of the modification and the comparative value and size of the final product.
What takes precedence when there is an inconsistency between FAR part 12 and another part of the FAR?
FAR part 12 shall take precedence for the acquisition of commercial items.
What is the government’s policy regarding the acquisition of commercial or non-developmental items?
The policy is that the government acquire commercial or non-developmental items whenever they are available and require prime contractors and subcontractors to incorporate these products as components whenever possible.
What policies should contracting officers use when contracting for a commercial product or service?
Contracting officers shall use the policies in FAR part 12 in conjunction with the policies and procedures for solicitation, evaluation, and award prescribed in FAR part 13, 14, or 15, as appropriate.
What is the definition of market prices in the context of contracting?
Market prices are current prices established in the course of ordinary trade between buyers and sellers free to bargain, substantiated through competition or independent sources.
When can a time-and-materials contract or labor-hour contract be used for the acquisition of commercial services?
A time-and-materials contract or labor-hour contract may be used for the acquisition of commercial services when the service is acquired under a contract awarded using FAR Part 12.
What procedures must contracting officers use for acquisitions of supplies or services that meet the definitions of ‘commercial product’ or ‘commercial service’?
Contracting officers shall use commercial item procedures for any acquisition of supplies or services that meet the definitions of ‘commercial product’ or ‘commercial service’ found at FAR 2.101.
Under what conditions does FAR Part 12 not apply to the acquisition of commercial items?
FAR Part 12 does not apply to the acquisition of commercial items at or below the micro-purchase threshold, when using the Standard Form 44, using the imprest fund, using the Government-wide commercial purchase card as a method of purchase, or directly from another Federal agency.
What types of contracts should agencies use for the acquisition of commercial items according to FAR Part 12?
Agencies shall use firm-fixed-price contracts or fixed-price contracts with economic price adjustment for the acquisition of commercial items.
What minimum information must be included in the D&F for a T&M contract?
The D&F must include a description of the market research conducted and establish that it is not possible to accurately estimate the extent or duration of the work or anticipate costs with any reasonable degree of confidence.
What are the competitive procedures outlined in FAR 6.102?
The competitive procedures include the procedures in FAR 6.102, the set-aside procedures in FAR subpart 19.5, or competition conducted in accordance with FAR Part 13.
What must a contracting officer do when considering a Time and Materials (T&M) contract type?
The contracting officer must execute a determination and findings (D&F) that justifies that no other contract type authorized by FAR Part 12 is suitable and include sufficient facts and rationale.
What are the fair opportunity procedures in FAR 16.505?
The fair opportunity procedures in FAR 16.505 include discretionary small business set-asides under FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(F) when placing an order under a multiple-award delivery-order contract.
Under what conditions can an agency use other than full and open competition according to FAR subpart 6.3?
An agency can use other than full and open competition if it receives offers that satisfy the Government’s expressed requirement from two or more responsible offerors.
What does FAR part 12 prescribe?
Policies and procedures unique to the acquisition of commercial products and services.
What is the Federal Government’s preference in acquisition as stated in the document?
The acquisition of commercial products and commercial services.
What types of contracts should be maximized for future acquisitions according to the established requirements?
Firm-fixed-price or fixed-price with economic price adjustment contracts.
What actions should be described to maximize the use of certain contracts in future acquisitions?
Actions planned to maximize the use of firm-fixed-price or fixed-price with economic price adjustment contracts.
What is the purpose of simplified acquisition procedures according to FAR part 13.002?
The purpose is to reduce administrative costs, improve opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses, and promote efficiency and economy in contracting.
When does a contract come into being according to the FAR?
A contract comes into being when the supplier accepts the order through confirmation in writing, by furnishing the requested supplies, or by proceeding with the work to the point where substantial performance has occurred.
What does FAR 13.003(a) state regarding simplified acquisition procedures?
FAR 13.003(a) states that agencies shall use simplified acquisition procedures to the maximum extent practicable for all purchases of supplies or services not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.
What are some methods included in simplified acquisition methods according to FAR subpart 13.3?
Simplified acquisition methods include the Government-wide commercial purchase card, purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements, imprest funds, and third-party drafts.
According to FAR 13.004, what is the status of a quotation in relation to forming a binding contract?
FAR 13.004 states that a quotation is not an offer and cannot be accepted by the government to form a binding contract.
What does FAR 13.106-2(a)(2) require of the contracting officer?
FAR 13.106-2(a)(2) requires the contracting officer to evaluate quotations or offers on the basis established in the solicitation.
What part of the FAR outlines policies for acquiring commercial products and services?
Part 12 of the FAR outlines policies applicable to the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services exceeding the micro-purchase threshold.
What are the specific steps involved in sealed bidding?
The specific steps in sealed bidding include preparing an invitation for bids, publicizing the invitation, submission of bids, evaluation of bids, and awarding the contract.