Advocates for Competition
FAR Subpart 6.5 requires agencies to appoint Advocates for Competition to proactively identify and remove barriers to full and open competition in federal contracting.
Overview
FAR Subpart 6.5 establishes the requirement for each agency to appoint an Advocate for Competition and outlines their duties and responsibilities. The purpose of this subpart is to promote full and open competition in federal contracting by designating officials who are responsible for challenging barriers to competition and ensuring compliance with competition requirements. The Advocate for Competition serves as a key figure in identifying and removing unnecessary restrictions that limit competition, reviewing agency procurement practices, and recommending actions to increase competitive opportunities. This subpart provides the framework for agencies to institutionalize competition advocacy and ensure that contracting processes are as open and competitive as possible.
Key Rules
- Requirement for Advocates for Competition
- Each agency must appoint an Advocate for Competition to oversee and promote competition in contracting activities.
- Duties and Responsibilities
- Advocates are responsible for identifying and removing barriers to competition, reviewing procurement practices, and recommending changes to increase competition.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must cooperate with the Advocate for Competition and consider their recommendations to enhance competition.
- Contractors: Should be aware that agencies are actively seeking to increase competition and may challenge restrictive requirements.
- Agencies: Must appoint an Advocate for Competition and support their efforts to promote full and open competition.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to ensure agencies are proactive in promoting competition and reducing unnecessary restrictions in procurement.
- It impacts daily contracting by encouraging more competitive opportunities and challenging justifications for sole-source or limited competition awards.
- Common issues include failure to appoint an advocate, lack of support for competition advocacy, or not acting on recommendations to improve competition.