7.000
Scope of part
FAR 7.000 establishes the foundational requirements for acquisition planning, guiding agencies in making strategic, compliant, and cost-effective procurement decisions.
Overview
FAR 7.000 outlines the scope of Part 7, which establishes the foundational policies and procedures for acquisition planning in federal contracting. This section clarifies that Part 7 covers the development of acquisition plans, the decision-making process for using commercial versus government resources, the evaluation of leasing versus purchasing equipment, and the determination of inherently governmental functions. Its purpose is to ensure that agencies approach acquisitions strategically, efficiently, and in compliance with federal requirements.
Key Rules
- Acquisition Planning
- Agencies must develop comprehensive acquisition plans for supplies and services.
- Resource Determination
- Agencies must assess whether to use commercial or government resources for acquisitions.
- Lease vs. Purchase Analysis
- Agencies must evaluate the cost-effectiveness of leasing equipment versus purchasing it.
- Inherently Governmental Functions
- Agencies must determine if a function is inherently governmental and cannot be contracted out.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure acquisition planning is conducted and documented; make determinations on resource use, leasing vs. purchasing, and inherently governmental functions.
- Contractors: Be prepared to provide information or proposals that support agency planning and decision-making.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with acquisition planning policies and ensure proper determinations are made.
Practical Implications
- This section sets the stage for all acquisition planning activities, impacting how agencies structure procurements and make sourcing decisions.
- Proper adherence helps avoid missteps such as improper outsourcing or uneconomical equipment acquisition.
- Contractors benefit from understanding these requirements, as they influence solicitation strategies and proposal preparation.