Subpart 6.1
Full and Open Competition
FAR Subpart 6.1 mandates that federal contracts be awarded through full and open competition unless a specific statutory exception applies, ensuring fairness and best value in procurement.
Overview
FAR Subpart 6.1 establishes the foundational requirements for full and open competition in federal contracting. It outlines the government's policy to promote competition to the maximum extent practicable and details the procedures and exceptions for using competitive methods. This subpart serves as the baseline for all federal acquisitions, emphasizing that contracts should be awarded through competitive procedures unless a specific statutory exception applies. It also defines what constitutes competitive procedures and references related sections for exceptions and special circumstances.
Key Rules
- Scope of Subpart (6.100)
- Clarifies that this subpart covers the general policy and requirements for full and open competition in government contracting.
- Policy (6.101)
- Establishes that contracting officers must provide for full and open competition in all acquisitions, unless otherwise authorized by law.
- Use of Competitive Procedures (6.102)
- Lists and defines the types of competitive procedures that satisfy the requirement for full and open competition, such as sealed bidding and competitive proposals.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure acquisitions are conducted with full and open competition unless a statutory exception applies, and must document the use of any exceptions.
- Contractors: Should be prepared to compete for contracts and understand the procedures used for competitive acquisitions.
- Agencies: Must oversee and enforce compliance with competition requirements and maintain records of acquisition decisions.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to ensure transparency, fairness, and best value in federal procurement.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring justification for any deviation from competitive procedures.
- Common pitfalls include inadequate documentation of exceptions and misunderstanding what qualifies as full and open competition.