Simplification, Reform, Streamlining, and Innovation: The Government Is Immune To Those Things by Vernon J. Edwards.

[Moderator]

It is a longstanding belief that effective competition yields best value contract pricing and quality.  And it is generally believed that clear communication between buyer and prospective sellers is essential for effective competition. If those beliefs are true, then we must question whether the Government is getting effective competition and best value in its procurements. Let's consider a
simple case.

Please Read:  Simplification, Reform, Streamlining, and Innovation:  The Government Is Immune To Those Things by Vernon J. Edwards

[formerfed]

Good article Vern.  My initial reaction is why the Army didn’t use the streamlined solicitation process of FAR 12.603?  Then I looked at what’s required in terms of posting by that process as well as FAR part 5, and it’s not so streamlined either. 

[Vern Edwards]

I would have set up a Part 13 BPA and let the COR call for mowing, etc., when necessary. I don't know why they needed a one-year contract with five one-year options. According to the solicitation they wanted only 18 mowings per year. 

 

[formerfed]

A BPA makes the most sense.  If the Army is concerned with price increases, they could always switch vendors.

The company I worked for did lots of procurement reviews at different agencies.  One shocking thing found is the number of contracts awarded instead of BPAs or POs because “we get more credit with contracts in workload assessments.”