6.001 Applicability
Source: FAR 6.001 on acquisition.gov
FAR 6.001 defines when competition requirements apply and lists key exceptions, so contracting professionals must verify applicability before proceeding with acquisition procedures.
Overview
FAR 6.001 outlines the applicability of Part 6, which governs competition requirements in federal acquisitions. This section specifies when the competition requirements of Part 6 apply and, importantly, lists several exceptions where these rules do not apply. These exceptions include acquisitions using simplified acquisition procedures (Part 13), contracts awarded under statutory authorities outside of Part 6, certain contract modifications, and orders placed under specific types of contracts such as requirements, definite-quantity, and indefinite-quantity contracts, as well as task and delivery order contracts under Subpart 16.5. The section also references related requirements and exceptions in other FAR parts and subparts, ensuring contracting professionals know when to apply or exempt competition requirements.
Key Rules
- General Applicability
- Part 6 applies to all federal acquisitions unless specifically exempted by this section.
- Exceptions to Applicability
- Exemptions include simplified acquisitions (Part 13), statutory contracting procedures, in-scope contract modifications, and certain orders under established contracts.
- Reference to Other FAR Parts
- Contracting professionals must consult related FAR parts (e.g., 13.501, 17.207(f), 16.5) for specific requirements or exceptions.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must determine if Part 6 applies to each acquisition and document the basis for any exceptions.
- Contractors: Should understand when competition requirements apply to their contracts and when exceptions may be invoked.
- Agencies: Ensure oversight and compliance with competition requirements and proper application of exceptions.
Practical Implications
- This section helps contracting professionals quickly identify when competition requirements must be followed and when exceptions apply, reducing unnecessary administrative burden. Misapplying these exceptions can lead to compliance violations or procurement delays.
This part applies to all acquisitions except—
(a) Contracts awarded using the simplified acquisition procedures of part 13 (but see 13.501 for requirements pertaining to sole source acquisitions of commercial products or commercial services, under subpart 13.5);
(b) Contracts awarded using contracting procedures (other than those addressed in this part) that are expressly authorized by statute;
(c) Contract modifications, that are within the scope of the contract, including the exercise of priced options that were evaluated as part of the original competition (see 17.207(f));
(d) Orders placed under requirements contracts or definite-quantity contracts;
(e) Orders placed under indefinite-quantity contracts that were entered into pursuant to this part when-
(1) The contract was awarded under subpart 6.1 or 6.2 and all responsible sources were realistically permitted to compete for the requirements contained in the order; or
(2) The contract was awarded under subpart 6.3 and the required justification and approval adequately covers the requirements contained in the order; or
(f) Orders placed against task order and delivery order contracts entered into pursuant to subpart 16.5.