15.205
Issuing solicitations
Contracting officers must issue solicitations in accordance with established FAR procedures and may use master solicitations to streamline negotiated acquisitions.
Overview
FAR 15.205 outlines the requirements for issuing solicitations in negotiated acquisitions. Contracting officers must follow established policies and procedures from other referenced FAR sections to ensure solicitations are distributed appropriately to potential sources. The regulation also allows the use of master solicitations, which can streamline the solicitation process for recurring or similar requirements. This section ensures that the solicitation process is consistent, transparent, and compliant with broader acquisition regulations.
Key Rules
- Issuing Solicitations
- Solicitations must be issued in accordance with FAR 5.102 (availability of solicitations), 19.202-4 (solicitations under small business programs), and Part 6 (competition requirements).
- Use of Master Solicitations
- Master solicitations, as described in FAR 14.203-3, may be used for negotiated acquisitions to facilitate efficiency and consistency.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure solicitations are issued per referenced FAR policies and may use master solicitations when appropriate.
- Contractors: Should monitor for solicitations and understand the use of master solicitations in negotiated acquisitions.
- Agencies: Must oversee that solicitation issuance complies with all referenced FAR requirements.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to ensure solicitations are issued fairly and in compliance with federal regulations, supporting transparency and competition.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring adherence to multiple FAR parts and allowing for process efficiencies through master solicitations.
- Common pitfalls include failing to follow referenced procedures or misunderstanding when master solicitations can be used.