37.600
Scope of subpart
FAR 37.600 sets the foundation for using performance-based acquisition methods in service contracts, emphasizing measurable outcomes and results-driven contracting.
Overview
- FAR 37.600 establishes the scope for Subpart 37.6, which focuses on the acquisition of services through performance-based acquisition (PBA) methods. This section clarifies that the subpart provides the policies and procedures contracting professionals must follow when procuring services using PBA, emphasizing outcomes and measurable performance standards rather than prescriptive processes.
Key Rules
- Performance-Based Acquisition (PBA) Policies
- The subpart outlines the required policies for acquiring services using PBA, ensuring that contracts are structured around the results to be achieved.
- Procedures for Service Acquisition
- It prescribes the procedures contracting officers must use to implement PBA, including defining performance standards and measurable outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must apply the policies and procedures outlined in this subpart when acquiring services using PBA methods.
- Contractors: Should be prepared to propose and deliver services based on performance outcomes and measurable standards.
- Agencies: Responsible for ensuring that service acquisitions are structured and managed according to PBA principles.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to shift service contracting from process-based to results-oriented approaches, improving efficiency and accountability.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring clear performance objectives and measurable outcomes in service contracts.
- Common pitfalls include failing to define clear performance standards or not aligning contract incentives with desired outcomes.