Subpart 15.3
Source Selection
FAR Subpart 15.3 establishes the rules and procedures for fair, transparent, and best-value source selection in negotiated government procurements.
Overview
FAR Subpart 15.3, "Source Selection," provides the framework and procedures for evaluating proposals and selecting sources in negotiated procurements. This subpart outlines the objectives of source selection, the responsibilities of contracting officials, the establishment and use of evaluation factors, the process for evaluating proposals, and the conduct of exchanges with offerors. It also covers how proposal revisions are handled and the requirements for making the final source selection decision. The subpart is designed to ensure that government contracts are awarded based on a fair, transparent, and well-documented process that achieves the best value for the government.
Key Rules
- Source Selection Objective
- Emphasizes awarding contracts to offerors whose proposals represent the best value, considering price and other factors.
- Responsibilities
- Defines the roles and duties of contracting officers and source selection authorities in managing the process.
- Evaluation Factors and Subfactors
- Requires clear identification and weighting of evaluation criteria in the solicitation.
- Proposal Evaluation
- Mandates a thorough, impartial, and consistent evaluation of all proposals received.
- Exchanges with Offerors
- Outlines permissible communications (clarifications, discussions, negotiations) after proposal receipt.
- Proposal Revisions
- Details procedures for allowing and handling proposal revisions.
- Source Selection Decision
- Requires a documented rationale for the final award decision.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure compliance with source selection procedures, manage communications, and document decisions.
- Contractors: Must respond to evaluation criteria, participate in exchanges, and submit revisions as required.
- Agencies: Oversee the integrity and transparency of the source selection process.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to promote fair competition and best value in negotiated procurements.
- It impacts daily contracting by setting clear rules for proposal evaluation and award decisions.
- Common pitfalls include inadequate documentation, unclear evaluation factors, and improper communications with offerors.