34.005-4
Demonstration contracts
Demonstration contracts should require contractors to submit fully government-funded, priced proposals for full-scale development, with contracting officers providing all necessary selection criteria.
Overview
FAR 34.005-4 addresses requirements for demonstration contracts within major system acquisition. It emphasizes that, when feasible, contracts for the demonstration phase should require contractors to submit fully government-funded, priced proposals for full-scale development by the end of the demonstration phase. The contracting officer is responsible for providing contractors with all necessary information, including operational test conditions, performance criteria, life cycle cost factors, and other relevant selection criteria, to enable the preparation of these proposals.
Key Rules
- Submission of Priced Proposals
- Contractors should submit government-funded, priced proposals for full-scale development at the end of the demonstration phase, whenever practicable.
- Provision of Selection Criteria
- Contracting officers must supply contractors with operational test conditions, performance criteria, life cycle cost factors, and any other criteria needed to prepare their proposals.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure contractors receive all necessary criteria and information to prepare their proposals for full-scale development.
- Contractors: Must prepare and submit priced proposals for full-scale development, fully funded by the government, by the end of the demonstration phase.
- Agencies: Should oversee that the process is followed and ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Practical Implications
- This regulation ensures a smooth transition from demonstration to full-scale development by requiring clear, comprehensive proposals and selection criteria.
- It helps prevent delays and misunderstandings by clarifying expectations for both contractors and contracting officers.
- Common pitfalls include failing to provide adequate selection criteria or incomplete proposals, which can jeopardize the acquisition timeline.