39.000
Scope of part
FAR 39.000 sets the foundation for all federal IT and ICT acquisitions, requiring compliance with both FAR and OMB policies.
Overview
FAR 39.000 establishes the scope for Part 39, outlining the acquisition policies and procedures for procuring information technology (IT) and information and communication technology (ICT) within the federal government. This section clarifies that these acquisitions must align with other relevant FAR parts and comply with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars A-127 (Financial Management Systems) and A-130 (Management of Federal Information Resources). It also references the definition of ICT as found in FAR 2.101, ensuring that contracting professionals understand the breadth of technologies covered under this part.
Key Rules
- Applicability to IT and ICT Acquisitions
- All acquisitions of IT and ICT, including financial management systems, must follow the policies and procedures in Part 39.
- Consistency with OMB Circulars
- Acquisitions must be consistent with OMB Circulars A-127 and A-130, which set standards for federal financial management and information resources management.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure all IT and ICT procurements comply with Part 39 and referenced OMB Circulars.
- Contractors: Must be aware that their offerings and proposals for IT/ICT will be evaluated under these specific policies and standards.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with both FAR and OMB requirements for IT/ICT acquisitions.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to centralize and clarify the rules for acquiring IT and ICT, ensuring consistency and compliance across federal agencies.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring adherence to both FAR and OMB guidance, which may affect solicitation, evaluation, and contract administration processes.
- Common pitfalls include overlooking OMB requirements or misapplying definitions of IT/ICT, leading to compliance issues or procurement delays.