52.216-1
Type of Contract
FAR 52.216-1 requires solicitations to clearly state the intended contract type, ensuring offerors understand the contract structure and can tailor their proposals accordingly.
Overview
FAR 52.216-1, "Type of Contract," is a solicitation provision that informs offerors of the specific contract type the Government intends to award as a result of the solicitation. The contracting officer is required to complete the blank in the provision with the appropriate contract type (e.g., fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials). This provision ensures transparency and allows offerors to tailor their proposals and pricing strategies to the anticipated contract structure, which can significantly impact risk, compliance, and performance requirements.
Key Rules
- Contract Type Disclosure
- The solicitation must specify the type of contract the Government plans to award by inserting the contract type in the blank space provided.
- Provision Inclusion
- This provision is included in solicitations as prescribed by FAR 16.105, ensuring consistency and compliance across acquisitions.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must accurately identify and insert the intended contract type in the solicitation provision.
- Contractors: Should review the stated contract type and prepare proposals accordingly, considering the implications for pricing, risk, and compliance.
- Agencies: Ensure solicitations are clear and compliant with FAR requirements regarding contract type disclosure.
Practical Implications
- This provision exists to provide clarity and set expectations for offerors regarding contract structure.
- It impacts proposal preparation, pricing, and risk assessment for contractors.
- Failure to specify or understand the contract type can lead to misunderstandings, non-compliant proposals, or disputes during contract performance.