Q1
Who develops a solicitation?
Answer: The government, and the buyer
Q2
Who prepares an offer?
Answer: The contractor, and the seller
Q3
During the post award phase while the contract is being performed, who has responsibility for
quality?
Answer: The seller
Q4
Acquisition
Answer: FAR 2.101 tells us Acquisition means the acquiring by contract with
appropriated funds of supplies or services (including construction) by and for the use
of the Federal Government through purchase or lease, whether the supplies or
services are already in existence or must be created, developed, demonstrated, and
evaluated. Acquisition begins at the point when agency needs are established and
includes the description of requirements to satisfy agency needs, solicitation and
selection of sources, award of contracts, contract financing, contract performance,
contract administration, and those technical and management functions directly
related to the process of fulfilling agency needs by contract.
Q5
Acquisition Team
Answer: FAR 1.102-3 describes the Acquisition Team as consisting of all participants in
Government acquisition including not only representatives of the technical, supply,
and procurement communities but also the customers they serve, and the contractors
who provide the products and services.
, Q6
The KO's Role on the Acquisition Team
Answer: FAR 1.102-4(a) states Government members of the Acquisition Team must be
empowered to make acquisition decisions within their areas of responsibility,
including selection, negotiation, and administration of contracts consistent with the
Guiding Principles. In particular, the contracting officer must have the authority to the
maximum extent practicable and consistent with law, to determine the application of
rules, regulations, and policies, on a specific contract.
Q7
KO Appointments
Answer: FAR 1.603-2 requires appointing officials, when selecting contracting officers,
to consider the complexity and dollar value of the acquisitions to be assigned and the
candidate's experience, training, education, business acumen, judgment, character,
and reputation.
Q8
Examples of selection criteria
Answer: Experience in Government contracting and administration, commercial
purchasing, or related fields. Education or special training in business administration,
law, accounting, engineering, or related fields. Knowledge of acquisition policies and
procedures, including this and other applicable regulations. Specialized knowledge in
the particular assigned field of contracting. Satisfactory completion of acquisition
training courses.
Q9
DOD KO Requirements
Answer: DFARS 201.603-2 tells us that in order to qualify to serve as a contracting
officer with authority to award or administer contracts for amounts above the
simplified acquisition threshold, a person must: Have completed all contracting
courses required for a contracting officer to serve in the grade in which the employee
or member of the armed forces will serve. Have at least 2 years experience in a
contracting position. Have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited
educational institution. Meet such additional requirements, based on the dollar value
and complexity of the contracts awarded or administered in the position, as may be
established by the Secretary of Defense. DFARS 201.603-2(2) also lists several
exceptions and amplifications to the above qualifications for contracting officer
appointments.