8.000
Scope of part
FAR 8.000 sets the foundation for prioritizing required sources when the government acquires supplies and services, ensuring compliance and efficiency in federal procurement.
Overview
FAR 8.000 establishes the scope for Part 8, which addresses how government agencies must prioritize sources when acquiring supplies and services. This section sets the foundation for the rules and procedures that follow in Part 8, ensuring that contracting officers understand the order of precedence for required sources, such as Federal Supply Schedules, mandatory sources, and other government-wide procurement programs. The purpose is to promote efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness in federal procurement by directing agencies to preferred sources before seeking commercial alternatives.
Key Rules
- Prioritization of Sources
- Contracting officers must follow a specific order of precedence when selecting sources for supplies and services.
- Applicability to All Government Acquisitions
- The rules in Part 8 apply to all federal agencies acquiring supplies and services, unless otherwise exempted.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must be familiar with and apply the required source priorities outlined in Part 8 when making procurement decisions.
- Contractors: Should understand which sources the government is required to use, as this affects eligibility and competition for contracts.
- Agencies: Must ensure procurement policies and procedures align with the required source priorities.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to ensure government purchases are made from preferred sources, supporting statutory mandates and government-wide initiatives.
- It impacts daily contracting by dictating where agencies must look first for supplies and services, potentially limiting open competition.
- Common pitfalls include failing to check required sources before seeking commercial vendors, leading to compliance violations.