DoctorFangWhale23
In the summary of metrics in the Acquisition Strategy section of…
In the summary of metrics in the Acquisition Strategy section of your acquisition plan, include the following: What metrics are important to measure the success for the contract? What results of those measurements would indicate success according to CTI’s requirements and the acquisition objectives? Which metrics do you expect to be challenging, either to measure or to reach successful results?
BELOW IS THE ACQUISITION SUMMARY:
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) will help set the rules and guidelines for purchasing 100 cell phones for the government agency Calum Tech International (CTI). The government and contractors must adhere to these rules and guidelines when purchasing goods and services. The FAR regulates both entities to ensure fairness and transparency as well as other legal matters (Wilczek, 2020).
Calum Tech International (CTI), has been part of the healthcare industry for ten years, offering its clients innovative hardware, software, and technical support solutions. The company is growing, with over 1,500 employees worldwide. Recognized as an industry leader by Consumer Reports, CTI is sought after by the medical industry for state-of-the-art medical equipment and parts.
CTI (the Buyer/Government Agency) has recently hired me to work alongside the Director of Sales and Marketing, Robyn Jones, to purchase 100 new cell phones for each of her department employees. CTI’s turn-around time is 90 days maximum. The purchase requirement includes the phones, related equipment, service, and data plans using the Best Value contract strategy. FAR Part 15.101-2 elaborates on the Best Value determination. It outlines the agency’s most significant evaluation factors to be considered during the selection process. As a procurement method, best value ranks essential factors in a contract, such as technical capabilities, experience, past performance, as well as what is the best value for the government.
Falcons Mobile Telephone (Seller/Contractor) has proposed FAR 15.101-2, Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) contract type. The acceptability of the phones will only rely on the lowest price submitted to win the contract. However, Best Value is the buyer’s preferred method.
Acquisition planning and market research are critical pieces to the overall acquisition plan. It is vital for each offeror or proposal to be able to compete for contracts through full and open competition. Also, to ensure the government meets its need in the most efficient, economical, and timely manner, per FAR Part 7.102 (Acquisition.Gov, 2022).
The following acquisition strategies are considered:
Full and Open Competition, using a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This ensures the government administers a competitive bidding method that allows all interested bidders equal opportunity to win the contract and select the bidder that offers the government the best value per FAR Part 6.102 (b). Sealed bidding is ruled out because of the time constraints (Government, n.d.).
Although not as flexible, Sealed Bidding is one of the simplified acquisition procedures under FAR Part 14. It would be appropriate as a strategy because it will allow for a fair and open competition where contractors are invited to place bids, and the contract gets awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder (DAU, n.d.).
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) has a current threshold of $250,000 and a maximum of $7,500,000 for non-construction contracts, according to FAR Part 13. This procedure is ideal for the customer’s needs. It streamlines the acquisition process and reduces administrative burdens for the government and vendors.
Therefore, after considering the options and requirements for this procurement, I suggest using FAR Part 13 to expedite the awarding of the contract. The SAP allows for the acquisition of commercial good and services. We will solicit vendors through the Request for Quote (RFQ) process and evaluate the offers based on price, technical capabilities, and past performance as stated in the RFQ.
Statement of Need:
The proposed plan is for Full and Open Acquisition procedures using RFQ process. The contract is to be awarded within 60-90 days after the RFQ is released. This is the best strategy because the contract does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, there is the urgency of delivery, and an RFQ allows the government to seek competitive vendors using the selection process that offers the government the best value by considering both price and non-price factors. FAR Part 13.106-1 outlines the use of SAP procedures for commercial items, which may best assist in the purchase of the cellphones, equipment, and the service plans.
