Notice of Streamlined Competition
This provision notifies offerors that the solicitation is part of a streamlined competition comparing private sector and government performance under OMB Circular A-76, with the outcome publicly announced and implemented accordingly.
Overview
FAR 52.207-2, Notice of Streamlined Competition, is a solicitation provision used when the government is conducting a streamlined competition under OMB Circular A-76 to determine whether work should be performed by the private sector or by government personnel. This provision notifies offerors that the solicitation is part of such a competition and outlines the evaluation and decision process. The government will compare the costs of private sector performance with agency or public reimbursable performance, following the procedures in the solicitation and the Circular. The outcome—whether the work is contracted out or kept in-house—will be publicly announced. If the private sector is selected, a contract is awarded or a new solicitation is issued; if the government is selected, an internal agreement is established for performance.
Key Rules
- Streamlined Competition Notification
- The solicitation is part of a streamlined competition under OMB Circular A-76.
- Cost Evaluation
- The government will evaluate both private sector and agency/public reimbursable costs as specified.
- Public Announcement and Implementation
- The performance decision will be publicly announced, and the appropriate contractual or internal agreement will be established based on the outcome.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must include this provision in applicable solicitations, ensure cost evaluations are conducted per the Circular, and publicly announce the decision.
- Contractors: Must understand that their proposals are part of a competition with government performance and comply with solicitation requirements.
- Agencies: Must follow OMB Circular A-76 procedures and establish the appropriate agreement based on the decision.
Practical Implications
- This provision ensures transparency and fairness in deciding whether work is outsourced or performed in-house.
- Contractors should be aware that their proposals are directly compared to government performance costs.
- Common pitfalls include misunderstanding the evaluation process or failing to recognize the public nature of the decision.