12.602
Streamlined evaluation of offers
FAR 12.602 enables streamlined, flexible evaluation of commercial offers, focusing on key factors and requiring clear documentation of selection decisions.
Overview
FAR 12.602 provides guidance for the streamlined evaluation of offers for commercial products and commercial services. It allows contracting officers to use simplified evaluation procedures, focusing on essential factors such as technical capability, price, and past performance. The section emphasizes tailoring evaluation criteria to the specific acquisition and ensuring consistency between solicitation instructions and evaluation criteria. It also requires proper documentation of the selection decision, including any trade-offs made during evaluation.
Key Rules
- Use of Evaluation Factors and Provisions
- Contracting officers may use provision 52.212-2 or simplified acquisition procedures (FAR 13.106) for commercial acquisitions. When using 52.212-2, evaluation factors and their relative importance must be tailored to the acquisition, except under simplified procedures where relative importance need not be described.
- Evaluation Criteria
- Offers must be evaluated based on solicitation criteria, typically technical capability, price, and past performance. Technical capability can be assessed by how well the offer meets government needs, without requiring detailed subfactors if the solicitation is clear.
- Selection and Documentation
- The most advantageous offer must be selected based on stated factors, and the rationale for selection, including trade-offs, must be fully documented.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Tailor and document evaluation criteria, ensure consistency in solicitation documents, and fully document selection rationale.
- Contractors: Submit offers that clearly address technical capability, price, and past performance as described in the solicitation.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with streamlined evaluation procedures and documentation requirements.
Practical Implications
- This section streamlines the evaluation process for commercial acquisitions, reducing administrative burden and focusing on key factors. It helps speed up procurement while maintaining fairness and transparency. Common pitfalls include failing to tailor evaluation criteria or insufficient documentation of the selection decision.