14.212
Economic purchase quantities (supplies)
Contracting officers must ensure supply purchases are planned and solicited in economically advantageous quantities by following FAR Subpart 7.2 requirements.
Overview
FAR 14.212 requires contracting officers to follow the economic purchase quantity planning requirements for supplies as outlined in FAR Subpart 7.2. This section directs contracting officers to reference FAR 7.203 for instructions on using the provision at 52.207-4 (Economic Purchase Quantity-Supplies) in solicitations, and FAR 7.204 for guidance on handling responses from offerors regarding economic purchase quantities. The goal is to ensure that supply purchases are made in quantities that are economically advantageous to the government, minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency.
Key Rules
- Economic Purchase Quantity Planning
- Contracting officers must comply with the planning requirements in FAR Subpart 7.2 when procuring supplies.
- Use of Provision 52.207-4
- Officers should follow instructions in FAR 7.203 regarding the inclusion of the Economic Purchase Quantity-Supplies provision in solicitations.
- Handling Offeror Responses
- Guidance for evaluating and responding to offeror input on economic purchase quantities is found in FAR 7.204.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure compliance with economic purchase quantity planning, include the appropriate provision in solicitations, and properly handle offeror responses.
- Contractors: Respond to solicitation provisions regarding economic purchase quantities as required.
- Agencies: Oversee adherence to economic purchasing policies and ensure cost-effective supply procurement.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to promote cost-effective purchasing by requiring careful planning of supply quantities.
- It impacts daily contracting by mandating the use of specific provisions and evaluation processes.
- Common pitfalls include failing to include the required provision or not properly considering offeror responses, which can lead to inefficient or non-compliant purchases.