Collecting data on and appraising firms qualifications
Agencies and A-E firms must maintain and update comprehensive qualification files using SF 330 to ensure fair and effective selection for architect-engineer contracts.
Overview
FAR 36.603 outlines the requirements for federal agencies to collect, maintain, and appraise the qualifications of firms seeking architect-engineer (A-E) contracts. Agencies must establish or use designated offices or evaluation boards to manage data on interested firms, assign jurisdiction, and ensure proper record-keeping. Firms must submit Standard Form 330 (SF 330) to be considered, and agencies are responsible for classifying firms based on location, experience, capabilities, and capacity. The regulation mandates annual reviews and updates of firm files, including performance evaluations and contract awards, and requires outdated or irrelevant materials to be discarded. These data files are essential tools for evaluation boards and contracting officers during the selection process for A-E services.
Key Rules
- Establishing Evaluation Offices/Boards
- Agencies must maintain or use offices/boards to collect and manage firm qualification data, with assigned jurisdictions.
- Submission of Qualifications (SF 330)
- Firms must file SF 330, Part II (and Part I when applicable) to be considered for A-E contracts.
- Classification of Firms
- Agencies must classify firms by location, specialized experience, professional capabilities, and capacity, considering computer-assisted design skills when relevant.
- Annual Review and Update
- Offices/boards must review and update each firm’s file annually, encourage updated submissions, record contract awards, and ensure files are current.
- Use of Data Files
- Evaluation boards and contracting officers must use these files in the A-E selection process.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Use and rely on updated data files for A-E firm selection.
- Contractors: Submit and annually update SF 330 qualifications and performance data.
- Agencies: Maintain, review, and update firm files; assign jurisdiction; ensure compliance with data management requirements.
Practical Implications
- Ensures agencies have current, comprehensive data to evaluate A-E firms fairly and efficiently.
- Contractors must be proactive in submitting and updating qualifications to remain eligible.
- Outdated or incomplete files can result in missed contract opportunities or compliance issues.