GSA Contracting 101: A Guide for Government Contractors

(c) A prospective contractor must affirmatively demonstrate its responsibility, including, when necessary, the responsibility of its proposed subcontractors. Whether you’re new to federal contracting or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, these frequently asked questions will help you navigate the path to success in the public sector. The President’s Cabinet includes the Vice President, the heads of 15 executive departments, and the Attorney General. Each department oversees numerous federal agencies, commissions, and offices that carry out specialized functions—from defense and diplomacy to education and environmental protection.

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(d)If a component of an end item is subject to a qualification requirement, assure that all such components and their qualification requirements are properly identified in the solicitation. (3) Has not been identified as meeting a qualification requirement established by a civilian agency (not including NASA). (4) Other sources, such as publications; suppliers, subcontractors, and customers of the prospective contractor; financial institutions; Government agencies; and business and trade associations.

  • This free guide walks you through the essentials of finding, qualifying for, and winning subcontracting opportunities.
  • (2) A notice suspending a contractor from the award of acquisition contracts and from the purchase of Federal personal property must include the appropriate FAR and FMR citations.
  • The waiver authority provided in this paragraph does not apply with respect to qualification requirements contained in a QPL, QML, or QBL.
  • (ii) The debarring official may refer matters involving disputed material facts to another official for findings of fact.

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(2) Conducts business, or reasonably may be expected to conduct business, with the Government as an agent or representative of another contractor. Approval means the contracting officer’s written notification to the contractor accepting the test results of the first article. However, the list must not state or imply that a particular product or source is the only product or source of that type qualified, or that the Government in any way recommends or endorses the products or the sources listed. (2) Listing manufacturers and suppliers whose products are qualified in accordance with agency procedures. Institution of higher education means an institution that meets the requirements of 20 U.S.C. 1001 and includes all sub-elements of such an institution. (g) Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations (see also inverted domestic corporation prohibition at 9.108).

104-3 Application of standards.

Fundamentally, it establishes long-term contracts and agreements with commercial vendors through a competitive acquisition process. (c) Before issuing a solicitation for a contract that may involve a significant potential conflict, the contracting officer must recommend to the head of the contracting activity a course of action for resolving the conflict (see 9.506). The agency head or a designee may waive any general rule or procedure of this subpart by determining that its application in a particular situation would not be in the Government’s interest.

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Accordingly, if a cause for debarment exists, the contractor has the burden of demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the suspending and debarring official, its present responsibility and that debarment is not necessary. Submit to the agency activity that established the qualification requirement the names and addresses of concerns that expressed interest in the acquisition but are not included on the applicable QPL, QML, or QBL or identified as meeting the qualification requirement. The activity will then assist interested concerns in meeting the standards specified for qualification (see 9.202(a)(3) and (5)).

306 Solicitation requirements.

  • However, manually tracking these sources can be time-consuming and fragmented.
  • IDIQ contracts provide for an indefinite quantity of supplies or services during a fixed period.
  • (a) Agencies must solicit offers from, award contracts to, and consent to subcontracts with responsible contractors only.
  • Once you get a contract, we can also help with contract maintenance, should the compliance measures become too much to handle in-house.

Get the insights, tools, and strategies you need to succeed in today’s evolving government market. Download your free “Federal Government Contracting 101” guide and start building a smarter path to federal sales. Whether you’re a small business trying to land your first subcontract or an experienced contractor aiming for a prime position, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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This is the philosophy Krystn brings to working with and empowering her clients. With a 20-year track record of helping global professional services enterprises, Krystn is redefining what’s possible for companies looking to elevate their marketing, pursuit, and business development operations. She is an industry leader, award winner, mentor, coach, and highly sought-after speaker. You have the information you need to navigate the federal marketplace and find contracts your company can win. The more you understand the federal marketplace and the agency needs you can solve, the better positioned you are to win contracts.

(1) After the opening of bids or receipt of proposals or quotes, review the exclusion records in SAM. (8) Name and telephone number of the agency point of contact for the action. An information or other filing by competent authority charging a criminal offense is given the same effect as an indictment. (e) Agencies must establish appropriate procedures to implement the policies and procedures of this subpart. (2)Termination settlements if the contract is terminated for the convenience of the Government. (iii) Circumstances require confirmation that the product conforms with the specification.

104-5 Representation and certifications regarding responsibility matters.

You may incur additional costs if the contractor will have to buy supplies for you or if you will need to use additional manpower. They would also explain what kind of payment would be done once the contract is awarded to the bidder. A contractor would also show you their portfolio to have a better view of the things that they have done in the past.

(ii) Required by their contracts to adhere to any restriction on technical data asserted by the potential offeror seeking qualification. (b) The contracting officer may rely on an offeror’s representation that it is not an inverted domestic corporation unless reason exists to question the representation. (iv) Do not post any information in the non-public segment of FAPIIS covered by a disclosure exemption under the Freedom of Information Act.

Businesses respond with proposals, and the most competitive offer is awarded the contract. These changes may impact how federal contracts are issued, managed, and competed—especially in health-related sectors. Contractors should stay informed about agency realignments, as they may affect procurement processes, points of contact, and funding priorities. Of these seven, three major government contracting 101 compliance pressure points facing government contractors today include cybersecurity compliance, supply-chain scrutiny with a particular focus on domestic sourcing, and DEI, where the current enforcement climate is skeptical and increasingly strict. If you have the resources and time, you can make your proposals stand out during the solicitation and procurement process by obtaining certifications. Small businesses can gain a competitive edge by obtaining certifications like 8(a), HUBZone, or Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB).

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