9.602
General
Contractor team arrangements are encouraged to combine unique capabilities and deliver the best value to the Government, and can be formed at any stage of the acquisition process.
Overview
FAR 9.602 outlines the general principles and acceptability of contractor team arrangements in federal acquisitions. It recognizes that such arrangements can benefit both the Government and industry by allowing companies to combine their unique strengths, resulting in improved performance, cost, and delivery outcomes. The regulation highlights that team arrangements are especially useful in complex research and development (R&D) contracts but are also suitable for other types of acquisitions, including production. It clarifies that these arrangements are typically established before submitting an offer, but can also be formed later in the acquisition process, even after contract award.
Key Rules
- Purpose of Team Arrangements
- Contractor team arrangements are encouraged to leverage complementary capabilities and provide the Government with optimal solutions.
- Applicability to Acquisition Types
- Particularly relevant for complex R&D, but permissible for any acquisition where appropriate, including production.
- Timing of Formation
- Teams are usually formed before proposal submission but may be established at any point, even post-award.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must recognize and appropriately evaluate team arrangements during acquisition planning and contract administration.
- Contractors: Should ensure team arrangements are structured to maximize combined capabilities and comply with all applicable FAR requirements.
- Agencies: Should facilitate and not unnecessarily restrict the use of team arrangements when they benefit the Government.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to encourage collaboration among contractors, especially for complex or large-scale projects.
- It impacts daily contracting by providing flexibility in how companies can join forces to meet Government needs.
- Common pitfalls include failing to formalize arrangements early or misunderstanding when such arrangements can be established.