Acquisition Plans
FAR Subpart 7.1 mandates comprehensive acquisition planning to ensure effective, efficient, and compliant federal contracting.
Overview
FAR Subpart 7.1, "Acquisition Plans," establishes the requirements and procedures for developing acquisition plans for federal contracts. Its purpose is to ensure that agencies conduct thorough planning to promote effective, efficient, and compliant acquisitions. This subpart outlines definitions, policy guidance, agency responsibilities, general procedures, and the required contents of written acquisition plans. It also addresses additional requirements for major systems, acquisitions involving consolidation or bundling, and telecommuting considerations. The subpart is designed to help agencies anticipate needs, consider alternatives, and coordinate acquisition efforts to achieve best value for the government while complying with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Key Rules
- Definitions (7.101)
- Provides key terms and definitions relevant to acquisition planning.
- Policy (7.102)
- Establishes the policy that acquisition planning is required for all acquisitions to ensure that the government meets its needs in the most effective, economical, and timely manner.
- Agency-head responsibilities (7.103)
- Outlines the responsibilities of agency heads in establishing and maintaining acquisition planning processes.
- General procedures (7.104)
- Details the steps and coordination required in the acquisition planning process.
- Contents of written acquisition plans (7.105)
- Specifies the required elements and information that must be included in written acquisition plans.
- Additional requirements for major systems (7.106)
- Sets forth extra planning requirements for major system acquisitions.
- Consolidation, bundling, or substantial bundling (7.107)
- Imposes additional planning and justification requirements for acquisitions involving consolidation or bundling of contract requirements.
- Telecommuting (7.108)
- Addresses planning considerations for telecommuting in acquisitions.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure acquisition plans are developed, documented, and coordinated as required.
- Contractors: Should be aware of planning requirements that may affect solicitation and contract performance.
- Agencies: Responsible for establishing, maintaining, and overseeing acquisition planning processes and compliance.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to promote proactive, coordinated, and compliant acquisition planning.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring structured planning, documentation, and coordination before solicitation and award.
- Common pitfalls include inadequate planning, missing required plan elements, or failing to address special requirements for major systems or bundled acquisitions.