Constricting Officer

I did some research and it seems to be really simple and innovative at the same time. Contractor comes through they get the daily rate as a bonus, on-time completion means the government wins/contractor is whole and late completion means they pay what it cost the government to wait. I really like it as a tool, but It would be hard to use in my current line of work for most instances (services). Hard to measure by a day or event. It has been a long day so maybe I am not thinking "Big Picture." Any ideas group?

Thanks for the info.

Hmmmm, Bob addressed this I believe: "Format for writing Questions Write your issue, scenario, or facts in the first part of your post. If your background is long, break up your thoughts with paragraphs. If you use an acronym that others may not recognize, like ADHD, write it like this Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). You don't have to worry about the FAR or DFARS because this is a contracting forum. Make sure you identify any regulation, law, etc. by citation. After you've written your facts, then write your questions in a new section below the facts. To distinguish one question from another, use the indent with the numbers in the bar at the top of the typing area. Click it with your mouse and the number will appear. Write your first question and, if you have more questions, hit the enter button and the number 2 will appear. If you have more questions, repeat."

All, Was wondering what you'll have been seeing as the currently trending evaluation factors in solicitations? I know sometimes people get really creative. I know FAR 15 gives us some very general ones: "FAR 15.304 (c): (1) Price or cost to the Government shall be evaluated in every source selection (10 U.S.C.2305(a)(3)(A)(ii) and 41 U.S.C.3306(c)(1)(B)) (also see part 36 for architect-engineer contracts); (2) The quality of the product or service shall be addressed in every source selection through consideration of one or more non-cost evaluation factors such as past performance, compliance with solicitation requirements, technical excellence, management capability, personnel qualifications, and prior experience (10 U.S.C.2305(a)(3)(A)(i) and 41 U.S.C.3306(c)(1)(A)); and (3) (i) Past performance, except as set forth in paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of this section, shall be evaluated in all source selections for negotiated competitive acquisitions expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold." (EA) Any and all examples will be greatly appreciated. Trying to put together a list of what our fellow professionals are using. Thanks in advance/CO

nkd9, As others have stated, there is a lack of information provide for a detailed response. To add to those, why are options the preferred course for the contract formulation? I am guessing it is because the customer wants the option to get out of the contract is one of the phases does not go the way they plan/hope/want?

My organization likes to first get people familiar with the contract writing system used first. Then start some formal training from the ground up (CON 90/FAR Boot Camp first), while also having a starting workload. jj20874 is 100% right about professional dialogue. I would suggest in addition to learning the ropes in that way, seek out one who appears to have the most knowledge of your team's main acquisition focus (supplies/services/construction/etc.). Think of this person as a mentor. He/She won't be hard to find after a couple of weeks there and isn't always the person making the most money either. Suggestion: Don't let it burn you out, because it can in weeks if allowed. Being a CS is rewarding, fun and exciting career field, but comes with a lot of moving parts (Agency Supplements/FAR/USC/etc.) to catch onto.

1102ByMistake, Acceptance must be completed by the government: FAR 46.101 states, ““Acceptance” means the act of an authorized representative of the Government by which the Government, for itself or as agent of another, assumes ownership of existing identified supplies tendered or approves specific services rendered as partial or complete performance of the contract.” Also, FAR 46.502 make it very clear: Acceptance of supplies or services is the responsibility of the contracting officer. When this responsibility is assigned to a cognizant contract administration office or to another agency (see 42.202 (g)), acceptance by that office or agency is binding on the Government. It does define this as services and supplies. I know of nothing directly tied to construction. I think we can reasonably agree that the same guidelines should apply. Would be a bad business practice to let the contractor tell us it is good-to-go. Inspection/testing is another matter: FAR 12.208 Contract quality assurance. “Contracts for commercial items shall rely on contractors’ existing quality assurance systems as a substitute for Government inspection and testing before tender for acceptance unless customary market practices for the commercial item being acquired include in-process inspection. Any in-process inspection by the Government shall be conducted in a manner consistent with commercial practice.” FAR 46.202-2 Government reliance on inspection by contractor. (a) Except as specified in (b) of this section, the Government shall rely on the contractor to accomplish all inspection and testing needed to ensure that supplies or services acquired at or below the simplified acquisition threshold conform to contract quality requirements before they are tendered to the Government (see 46.301). (b) The Government shall not rely on inspection by the contractor if the contracting officer determines that the Government has a need to test the supplies or services in advance of their tender for acceptance, or to pass judgment upon the adequacy of the contractor’s internal work processes. In making the determination, the contracting officer shall consider- (1) The nature of the supplies and services being purchased and their intended use; (2) The potential losses in the event of defects; (3) The likelihood of uncontested replacement or correction of defective work; and (4) The cost of detailed Government inspection.

All, Could some please point me to the authority governing such equipment leasing (use an MRI as example)?

Talked to a friend yesterday about the same problem. Leave is my suggestion. Bad leadership cannot be overcome.

I am surprised I have not been guided to a recent forum. Is this new or not addressed?

Exactly. We need to figure this out. I appreciate all of your feedback. All facets must be addressed.

Thank you formerfed. what do u think is a good way to address? I would think a agency wide policy to be followed by required training. From the macro level of course?

All, I would like to request your view/comments on why acquisition professionals seem to ignore (completely or partially) the guidance located at FAR 7.4. The following link was a report on a few agencies concerning the purchase of heavy equipment as oppose to leasing it: https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-18-295 What I would like to see is why you think this simple business/acquisition analysis is being overlooked by many of fellow professionals. Not just heavy equipment, but everything from real property to medical equipment?

They can be seen as the same meaning easily in my mind. I would refer back to solicitation to decide what is and is not covered/stated.

Only the PWS.