12.201
General
FAR 12.201 ensures that acquisitions of commercial products and services follow requirements that mirror commercial marketplace practices, streamlining federal procurement.
Overview
FAR 12.201 serves as the introduction to Subpart 12.2, outlining the special requirements that apply to the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services. The section emphasizes that these requirements are designed to align federal procurement practices with those commonly found in the commercial marketplace. It also highlights the importance of considering these requirements during the planning, solicitation, evaluation, and award phases of contracting for commercial items and services. This approach aims to streamline government acquisitions and make them more efficient and market-driven.
Key Rules
- Special Requirements for Commercial Acquisitions
- Contracting for commercial products and services must follow specific requirements that reflect commercial marketplace practices.
- Considerations for Contracting Phases
- Agencies must address these requirements throughout planning, solicitation, evaluation, and award processes.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure all phases of the acquisition process for commercial products and services adhere to the special requirements outlined in Subpart 12.2.
- Contractors: Prepare to respond to solicitations and perform contracts that may differ from traditional government-unique requirements, focusing on commercial practices.
- Agencies: Oversee that acquisitions are planned and executed in a manner consistent with commercial marketplace standards.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to make federal acquisitions of commercial products and services more efficient and aligned with standard business practices.
- It impacts daily contracting by reducing unnecessary government-unique requirements and encouraging the use of commercial terms and conditions.
- Common pitfalls include failing to recognize the differences between commercial and non-commercial acquisitions, leading to compliance issues or inefficient procurement processes.