Priorities for use of mandatory Government sources
Government agencies and contractors must follow a strict order of precedence for sourcing supplies and services, prioritizing mandatory government sources before considering commercial options.
Overview
FAR 8.002 establishes the mandatory order of precedence for government agencies when sourcing supplies and services. Agencies must first consider their own inventories, then excess from other agencies, followed by Federal Prison Industries, products/services from the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, and finally wholesale supply sources like GSA and DLA. For services, priority is given to those on the Procurement List maintained by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. Only after exhausting these sources, or under specific exceptions (such as urgency or as otherwise provided by law), may agencies use other sources. This statutory obligation also extends to contractors procuring supplies or services for government use.
Key Rules
- Order of Precedence for Supplies
- Agencies must source supplies in the following order: agency inventories, excess from other agencies, Federal Prison Industries, Procurement List items (AbilityOne), and wholesale supply sources (e.g., GSA, DLA).
- Order of Precedence for Services
- Services on the Procurement List (AbilityOne) must be sourced before considering other providers.
- Exceptions
- Other sources may be used only as prescribed by regulation or in cases of unusual and compelling urgency.
- Contractor Obligation
- Contractors procuring on behalf of the government must also follow these sourcing priorities.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure all acquisitions follow the mandatory source order and document compliance or exceptions.
- Contractors: Adhere to the same sourcing priorities when purchasing for government use.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and ensure statutory obligations are met.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures government preference for certain sources, supporting federal programs and efficient resource use.
- Failure to follow the order of precedence can result in procurement violations.
- Contractors must be aware that these rules apply to their purchases for government contracts, not just direct agency buys.