34.005-2
Mission-oriented solicitation
Mission-oriented solicitations must be broadly publicized, focus on mission capabilities rather than specific solutions, and require an Earned Value Management System for performance tracking.
Overview
FAR 34.005-2 outlines the requirements for mission-oriented solicitations, emphasizing broad dissemination, transparency, and flexibility in the acquisition process. The regulation aims to ensure that solicitations for mission-oriented acquisitions are accessible to a wide range of potential offerors and that the requirements focus on mission capabilities rather than specific solutions. It also encourages industry feedback prior to finalizing the solicitation and mandates the use of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) for tracking performance.
Key Rules
- Advance Notification and Broad Dissemination
- Contracting officers should widely publicize the acquisition, including through the Governmentwide point of entry, and notify a diverse range of potential sources, such as small businesses, research institutions, and, when appropriate, foreign sources.
- Presolicitation Engagement
- When appropriate, hold presolicitation conferences and/or circulate draft solicitations for industry comment, revising the solicitation as needed based on feedback.
- Content of Final Solicitation
- The solicitation must describe mission capabilities, outline objectives and constraints, provide access to relevant Government data, include selection requirements, allow offerors to propose their own technical solutions, and require an EVMS compliant with EIA-748.
- Minimizing Specifications
- Solicitations should avoid referencing or mandating Government specifications or standards unless specifically approved by agency procedures.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure broad notification, facilitate industry engagement, incorporate feedback, and structure solicitations to focus on mission needs and flexibility.
- Contractors: Should review solicitations carefully, propose innovative solutions, and ensure compliance with EVMS requirements if applicable.
- Agencies: Oversee adherence to procedures, especially regarding the use of specifications and standards, and ensure transparency and competition.
Practical Implications
- This section promotes competition and innovation by encouraging broad participation and flexible technical approaches. It helps prevent overly prescriptive requirements that could limit solutions. Common pitfalls include failing to publicize widely, not engaging industry early, or mandating unnecessary specifications.