6.502
Duties and responsibilities
Agency advocates for competition must proactively promote commercial acquisitions and full and open competition, regularly review contracting practices, and report on barriers and initiatives to senior leadership.
Overview
FAR 6.502 outlines the specific duties and responsibilities of agency and procuring activity advocates for competition. These advocates play a critical role in promoting the acquisition of commercial products and services, ensuring full and open competition, and challenging unnecessary barriers in the procurement process. The regulation details both the proactive and reporting obligations of advocates, including reviewing contracting operations, identifying restrictive practices, and submitting annual reports to senior agency officials. It also emphasizes the need for accountability systems and the development of initiatives to increase competition and commercial acquisitions.
Key Rules
- Promotion of Commercial Products/Services and Competition
- Advocates must actively promote the acquisition of commercial products/services and full and open competition, and challenge requirements or barriers that unnecessarily restrict these goals.
- Review and Reporting
- Agency advocates must review contracting operations, identify restrictive practices, and report findings and actions to senior procurement officials.
- Annual Reporting
- Advocates are required to submit an annual report detailing activities, new initiatives, remaining barriers, and compliance with planning and issuing large task/delivery orders.
- Recommendations for Improvement
- Advocates must recommend goals, plans, and accountability systems to increase competition and recognize those who promote it.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must cooperate with advocates, address challenges to restrictive requirements, and support competition initiatives.
- Contractors: Should be aware that advocates may challenge restrictive requirements and promote competition, potentially impacting solicitation terms.
- Agencies: Must support advocates, ensure reporting, and implement accountability and recognition systems for competition.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures agencies are proactive in removing unnecessary barriers to competition and commercial acquisition.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring regular review, reporting, and accountability for competitive practices.
- Common pitfalls include failing to address unnecessarily restrictive requirements or not properly documenting competition advocacy activities.