9.106-3
Interagency preaward surveys
When preaward surveys involve different agencies, both the surveying agency's regulations and general FAR procedures must be followed, and reasonable special requests from the contracting office must be accommodated.
Overview
FAR 9.106-3 addresses the procedures for conducting preaward surveys when the contracting office and the surveying activity belong to different federal agencies. It requires adherence to both the general procedures outlined in FAR 9.106 and Subpart 42.1, as well as the specific regulations of the agency performing the survey. Additionally, the surveying agency must accommodate reasonable special requests from the contracting office. This section ensures coordination and compliance across agencies during the preaward survey process, which is critical for assessing a prospective contractor's ability to perform.
Key Rules
- Follow Both Agencies' Procedures
- Both the general FAR procedures and the surveying agency's regulations must be followed during interagency preaward surveys.
- Accommodate Special Requests
- The surveying agency must make reasonable efforts to accommodate special requests from the contracting office.
- Reference to Related Subparts
- Procedures in Subpart 42.1 (Contract Administration and Audit Services) and Subpart 17.5 (Interagency Acquisitions) also apply.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure that both FAR and agency-specific procedures are followed and communicate any special requests to the surveying agency.
- Contractors: Should be aware that multiple agencies may be involved in the preaward survey process and that additional requirements may apply.
- Agencies: The surveying agency must follow its own regulations and accommodate reasonable requests from the contracting office.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to clarify responsibilities and ensure smooth coordination between agencies during preaward surveys.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring careful communication and compliance with multiple sets of procedures.
- Common pitfalls include failing to follow both sets of regulations or not properly communicating special requests, which can delay contract awards.