7.102
Policy
All federal acquisitions require thorough planning and market research to maximize competition, use commercial solutions, and ensure effective, economical procurement.
Overview
FAR 7.102 establishes the core policy requirements for acquisition planning in federal contracting. It mandates that agencies must conduct acquisition planning and market research for all acquisitions to ensure the procurement of commercial products or services whenever possible, maximize competition, select the appropriate contract type, and consider existing contracts before initiating new ones. The regulation emphasizes integrating all relevant personnel in the planning process to achieve effective, economical, and timely fulfillment of government needs. Agencies with robust acquisition planning systems that generally meet related FAR requirements are not required to revise their systems solely to align with this section.
Key Rules
- Acquisition Planning and Market Research
- Agencies must perform acquisition planning and market research for every acquisition to promote commercial solutions and competition.
- Preference for Commercial and Nondevelopmental Items
- Agencies should acquire commercial products/services or, if unavailable, nondevelopmental items to the maximum extent practicable.
- Full and Open Competition
- Agencies must seek full and open competition or, if not required, obtain the maximum practicable competition.
- Appropriate Contract Type Selection
- Agencies must select the contract type in accordance with FAR Part 16.
- Consideration of Existing Contracts
- Agencies must consider using pre-existing contracts (interagency/intra-agency) before awarding new contracts.
- Integrated Planning
- Planning must involve all personnel responsible for significant acquisition aspects.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure acquisition planning, market research, competition, contract type selection, and consideration of existing contracts.
- Contractors: Respond to market research and compete for opportunities.
- Agencies: Oversee integrated planning and maintain compliant acquisition planning systems.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures acquisitions are efficient, competitive, and leverage existing solutions, reducing duplication and cost. Failure to follow these policies can result in procurement delays, protests, or noncompliance findings.