FAR 15.404-1( b )(3) states that "The first two techniques [price analysis] af FAR 15.404-1( b )(2) are the preferred techniques." But nowhere can I find the answer to WHY these are preferred. OK, the #1 Adequate price competiton is obvious, but what of #2 Comparison to historical prices paid? Why would that be preferred over any of the other methods such as competitively published price lists or market research?
At first I thought maybe #2 was an attempt at streamlining the analysis process (a time saver) but when one has to evaluate the changes in market conditions and such, it can be more time consuming that searching the Internet for same or similar items or looking at a price list. Any ideas?