47.207-3
Description of shipment, origin, and destination
Contracting officers must provide complete and accurate shipment, origin, destination, and quantity details in transportation solicitations, including required clauses for exclusions and estimates.
Overview
FAR 47.207-3 outlines the requirements for contracting officers to provide detailed information in solicitations regarding the shipment, origin, destination, description, exclusions, and quantity of freight for transportation contracts. The regulation ensures that prospective offerors have all necessary details to accurately price and perform transportation services. It covers the need to specify exact or general locations for both origin and destination, provide inventories and freight classifications, clearly identify any excluded freight, and state actual or estimated quantities. The section also mandates the inclusion of specific clauses when exclusions or estimated quantities are involved.
Key Rules
- Origin and Destination Details
- Solicitations must include full details (name, address, city, state, ZIP) for single locations or describe boundaries and ZIP codes for multiple/indefinite locations.
- Freight Description
- Include an inventory for nonbulk items and a freight classification or clear description, with all necessary details (size, weight, hazardous material, etc.).
- Exclusion of Freight
- Clearly identify excluded freight types and insert the appropriate exclusion clause (52.247-7) when applicable.
- Quantity Specification
- State actual or estimated weights/quantities and include a schedule if over time; insert clause 52.247-8 if estimates are used.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must provide comprehensive shipment details, identify exclusions, estimate quantities, and insert required clauses.
- Contractors: Must review and understand all shipment details, exclusions, and quantity estimates to prepare accurate offers.
- Agencies: Ensure solicitations are complete and compliant with FAR requirements for transportation contracts.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures transparency and accuracy in transportation solicitations, reducing misunderstandings and disputes.
- Contractors rely on this information to price and plan transportation services effectively.
- Common pitfalls include incomplete shipment details, failure to identify exclusions, or omitting required clauses, which can lead to contract issues or protests.