35.004 Publicizing requirements and expanding research and development sources
Source: FAR 35.004 on acquisition.gov
Agencies must actively publicize R&D needs and foster early collaboration to attract a diverse pool of qualified contractors, including small businesses.
Overview
FAR 35.004 requires agencies to actively publicize their research and development (R&D) needs to attract a wide range of qualified contractor sources, including small businesses. In addition to following the general publicizing requirements in FAR Part 5, agencies must proactively identify and disseminate information about R&D opportunities, foster early collaboration among technical, contracting, and small business personnel, and provide clear points of contact for potential R&D contractors. The section also references related guidance on R&D pools and teaming arrangements in FAR Subparts 9.7 and 9.6, respectively.
Key Rules
- Broadening Contractor Base
- Agencies must continually seek and develop information on competent R&D sources, including small businesses.
- Early Identification and Publication
- Agencies should identify and publicize R&D needs early, using the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE).
- Collaboration
- Technical, contracting, and small business personnel must cooperate early in the acquisition process.
- Points of Contact
- Agencies must provide R&D points of contact for potential sources.
- Reference to Teaming and Pools
- Agencies should consult FAR Subparts 9.6 and 9.7 for guidance on teaming arrangements and R&D pools.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure R&D requirements are publicized early and broadly, facilitate collaboration, and provide points of contact.
- Contractors: Monitor GPE for R&D opportunities and engage with agency points of contact.
- Agencies: Maintain proactive outreach to potential R&D sources and comply with related FAR guidance on teaming and pools.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures agencies cast a wide net for R&D contractors, promoting competition and innovation.
- Early and broad publicizing helps small businesses and new entrants access opportunities.
- Failure to publicize or collaborate early may limit competition and compliance.
(a) In order to obtain a broad base of the best contractor sources from the scientific and industrial community, agencies must, in addition to following the requirements of part 5, continually search for and develop information on sources (including small business concerns) competent to perform R&D work. These efforts should include-
(1) Early identification and publication of agency R&D needs and requirements, including publicizing through the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE) (see part 5);
(2) Cooperation among technical personnel, contracting officers, and Government small business personnel early in the acquisition process; and
(3) Providing agency R&D points of contact for potential sources.
(b) See subpart 9.7 for information regarding R&D pools and subpart 9.6 for teaming arrangements.