42.1601
General
Contracting officers must respond in writing to small business contract administration requests within 30 days or notify them of the expected response date if more time is needed.
Overview
FAR 42.1601 requires contracting officers to promptly respond to written requests from small business concerns regarding contract administration matters. Specifically, the contracting officer must provide a written response within 30 days. If a full response cannot be made within that timeframe, the officer must notify the contractor in writing within the 30 days, specifying when a response can be expected. This requirement does not apply to requests for contracting officer decisions under the Contract Disputes Act (41 U.S.C. chapter 71). The regulation aims to ensure timely communication and support for small businesses in contract administration, promoting transparency and accountability in government contracting processes.
Key Rules
- 30-Day Written Response Requirement
- Contracting officers must respond in writing to small business contract administration inquiries within 30 days.
- Notification of Delay
- If unable to respond within 30 days, the officer must notify the contractor in writing within that period, stating when a response will be provided.
- Exclusion for Contract Disputes Act Requests
- This rule does not apply to requests for contracting officer decisions under the Contract Disputes Act.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must track and respond to small business written requests within 30 days or provide a written notification of the expected response date.
- Contractors (Small Businesses): Should submit written requests regarding contract administration and expect timely responses.
- Agencies: Should ensure contracting officers comply with response timelines and maintain records of communications.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to support small businesses by ensuring their contract administration concerns are addressed promptly.
- It impacts daily contracting by setting clear expectations for response times and communication.
- Common pitfalls include missing the 30-day deadline or failing to provide timely notification of delays, which can erode trust and lead to compliance issues.