4.1008
Solicitation provision
Contracting officers must include the Alternative Line Item Proposal provision (52.204-22) in every solicitation, allowing offerors to suggest alternative line item structures.
Overview
FAR 4.1008 requires contracting officers to include the provision at 52.204-22, Alternative Line Item Proposal, in all solicitations. This provision allows offerors to propose alternative line item structures in their offers, which can facilitate more efficient or flexible contract administration. The intent is to ensure uniformity and clarity in the use of line items across federal contracts, while also providing flexibility for offerors to suggest alternative arrangements that may better meet the government's needs.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Inclusion of Provision 52.204-22
- Contracting officers must insert the Alternative Line Item Proposal provision in every solicitation, regardless of contract type or value.
- Offeror Flexibility
- Offerors are permitted to propose alternative line item structures, subject to government review and acceptance.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure the provision at 52.204-22 is included in all solicitations.
- Contractors: Should review the provision and may propose alternative line item structures if beneficial.
- Agencies: Should review and consider any alternative proposals submitted by offerors.
Practical Implications
- This requirement standardizes the opportunity for offerors to suggest alternative line item structures, which can improve contract efficiency or clarity.
- Failure to include the provision could result in non-compliance and missed opportunities for innovative contract structuring.
- Contractors should be aware of this provision and consider whether proposing alternative line items could provide value or competitive advantage.