13.106
Soliciting competition, evaluation of quotations or offers, award and documentation
FAR 13.106 streamlines simplified acquisitions by requiring competition, clear evaluation, and thorough documentation to ensure fair and efficient government purchasing.
Overview
FAR 13.106 outlines the procedures for soliciting competition, evaluating quotations or offers, making awards, and documenting actions under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). This section is designed to streamline the acquisition process for purchases that fall under the simplified acquisition threshold, emphasizing efficiency, competition, and proper documentation. It provides guidance on how contracting officers should seek competition, evaluate responses, make award decisions, and maintain records to ensure transparency and compliance with federal procurement standards.
Key Rules
- Soliciting Competition
- Contracting officers must promote competition to the maximum extent practicable, using oral or written solicitations as appropriate for the acquisition's value and complexity.
- Evaluation of Quotations or Offers
- Evaluation should be based on price and other factors (such as delivery, past performance, and technical capability) as specified in the solicitation. The process should be simple and tailored to the acquisition.
- Award and Documentation
- Awards are made to the responsible vendor whose quotation or offer is most advantageous to the government. Documentation must support the rationale for the award decision and demonstrate compliance with competition requirements.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure adequate competition, evaluate offers fairly, make awards based on best value, and document the acquisition process.
- Contractors: Should submit clear, complete, and competitive quotations or offers in response to solicitations.
- Agencies: Must oversee adherence to SAP procedures and maintain records for audit and review.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to simplify and expedite small-dollar federal acquisitions while maintaining fairness and transparency.
- It impacts daily contracting by reducing administrative burden but still requires careful documentation and competitive practices.
- Common pitfalls include inadequate competition, insufficient documentation, or failure to consider all evaluation factors.