1.102-3 Evaluating agency acquisition processes
Source: FAR 1.102-3 on acquisition.gov
Agencies should proactively seek and use voluntary feedback to improve acquisition processes, but must not review or consider this feedback until after contract award.
Overview
FAR 1.102-3 encourages agencies to actively seek voluntary feedback from interested parties involved in acquisitions to evaluate and improve their acquisition processes. The regulation outlines various methods for collecting feedback, such as surveys and group exchanges, and specifically references the use of standardized preaward and debriefing survey questions available at acquisition.gov/360. Agencies are also encouraged to gather targeted feedback throughout the acquisition lifecycle, including on performance standards and postaward contract administration. Contracting officers are advised to include the provision 52.201-1, "Acquisition 360: Voluntary Survey," in solicitations as per agency procedures. Importantly, any feedback collected must not be reviewed or considered until after contract award, ensuring it does not influence award decisions.
(a)Agencies are encouraged to develop internal procedures seeking voluntary feedback from interested parties in an acquisition to assess process strengths and weaknesses and improve effectiveness and efficiency of the acquisition process. Agencies may—
(1)Utilize a variety of feedback mechanisms available to the public ( e.g., surveys, in-person, and/or group exchanges);
(2)Utilize the core preaward and debriefing survey questions at https://www.acquisition.gov/360" target="_blank">https://www.acquisition.gov/360; and
(3)Seek additional feedback on targeted aspects of an acquisition throughout its lifecycle ( e.g., performance standards at 1.102-2 or postaward contract administration responsibilities at 42.302).
(b)Contracting officers are encouraged to insert the provision 52.201-1, Acquisition 360: Voluntary Survey, in accordance with agency procedures.
(c)Contracting officers shall not review information until after contract award and shall not consider it in the award decision.