7.200
Scope of subpart
FAR 7.200 requires contracting officers to gather information from offerors to help the Government plan supply purchases in the most cost-effective quantities.
Overview
FAR 7.200 establishes the scope for Subpart 7.2, which focuses on the policies and procedures for collecting information from offerors to help the Government determine the most cost-effective quantities for purchasing supplies. The intent is to ensure that acquisition planning includes consideration of economic order quantities, thereby optimizing procurement efficiency and reducing costs. This section sets the stage for the detailed requirements and processes that follow in the subpart, emphasizing the importance of early and effective information gathering from potential suppliers during the planning phase of supply acquisitions.
Key Rules
- Information Gathering from Offerors
- Contracting officers must collect relevant data from offerors to inform decisions on purchase quantities.
- Economic Quantity Planning
- The information gathered is used to plan purchases in quantities that are most advantageous to the Government, balancing cost, need, and efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Responsible for soliciting and evaluating information from offerors to support economic quantity decisions.
- Contractors: Expected to provide accurate and timely information when requested to assist in the Government's planning process.
- Agencies: Must ensure acquisition planning incorporates these procedures to achieve cost-effective supply purchases.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to promote efficient government spending by leveraging supplier input for better purchasing decisions.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring proactive communication and data collection early in the acquisition process.
- Common pitfalls include failing to gather sufficient information or not considering economic order quantities, which can lead to higher costs or supply shortages.