14.210
Qualified products
Only products listed on the applicable Qualified Products List (QPL) at the time of bid opening are eligible for award under solicitations requiring qualified products.
Overview
FAR 14.210 addresses the use of qualified products lists (QPLs) in the solicitation of bids for government contracts. It directs contracting professionals to Subpart 9.2 for detailed procedures and requirements regarding qualified products. The section highlights that when a QPL is involved, only products that have been tested and approved in accordance with agency requirements may be considered for award. This ensures that only products meeting specific standards of quality and performance are eligible for procurement, thereby reducing risk and ensuring reliability in government acquisitions.
Key Rules
- Reference to Subpart 9.2
- Contracting officers must follow the procedures in Subpart 9.2 when solicitations require qualified products.
- Use of Qualified Products Lists (QPLs)
- Only products that appear on the relevant QPL at the time of bid opening are eligible for award.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure solicitations reference QPL requirements and verify that offered products are on the QPL.
- Contractors: Must ensure their products are tested, approved, and listed on the applicable QPL before submitting bids.
- Agencies: Responsible for maintaining QPLs and establishing qualification procedures.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to ensure that only pre-qualified, reliable products are procured, reducing the risk of substandard performance.
- Contractors must plan ahead to get their products qualified before bidding.
- Common pitfalls include submitting bids with unqualified products or failing to maintain QPL status.