FAR Companion Change

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-Part 5 - Publicizing Contract Actions .........................................................................................12+Part 5 - Publicizing Contract Actions
+FC 5.000 Plain language.
+When crafting solicitations and notices, prioritize clarity and simplicity by embracing plain
+language writing principles. Avoid overly technical jargon, complex sentence structures, and
+acronyms that are not widely understood.
+The goal is to make it easy for businesses to determine whether they can do the work. Plain
+language is not merely about simplifying content. It is about making your message
+understandable upon first reading.
+FC5.000 Actively engage throughout the process.
+Acquisition work need not stop during mandatory notice posting periods, or when you have
+issued special notices to obtain more targeted feedback from industry. You can maintain
+momentum by connecting with internal teams and external partners to manage expectations,
+refine procurement documentation, address concerns, and ensure alignment on process, next
+steps, and goals.
+Draft documents can be issued to industry at any time up until the publication of the final
+solicitation. For example, prior to the issuance of the solicitation or combined notice and
+solicitation, the agency may issue a sources sought notice, a draft requirements document, or
+an industry day announcement.
+This proactive approach refines solicitations, addresses potential issues that may impact a
+potential offeror’s bid or no bid decision, attracts higher-quality proposals, and fosters a
+collaborative competitive environment that balances commercial industry practices with
+government requirements.
+FC 5.000 Expanding reach beyond the GPE.
+While SAM.gov serves as the required central platform for posting most federal notices and
+contract opportunities, acquisition teams can supplement their GPE postings by using other
+digital channels. These might include industry-specific websites and relevant social media
+platforms to amplify the opportunity and attract a wider pool of qualified vendors. These steps
+can be critical to expanding the current federal marketplace. When using extra channels, it is a
+good practice to include a direct link to the official SAM.gov notice so vendors can access
+authoritative documentation and complete opportunity details.
+FC5.000 Modern digital engagement methods.
+Acquisition teams have access to various digital platforms beyond the traditional posting
+methods. Interactive online portals allow users to view notices, apply filters, subscribe to alerts,
+and engage through comments or question-and-answer features.
+Examples include specialized platforms like these:
+● U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Vulcan platform (www.vulcan-sof.com),
+● Defense Advanced Research Project’s (DARPA) Connect platform (www.darpa.mil), and
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+● The Office of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer’s Tradewinds Solutions
+Marketplace (tradewindai.com).
+Social media channels can reach targeted industry segments quickly, particularly benefiting
+small businesses and technology providers. Mobile apps can deliver real-time notifications of
+notices or opportunities directly to potential vendors' devices.
+FC 5.101 Using the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE) for market intelligence.
+SAM.gov and other portals can serve as valuable tools for soliciting feedback and gathering
+information during market research, market intelligence, and acquisition planning activities.
+SAM.gov notices are not limited to contracting opportunities. Acquisition teams can leverage
+notices to request feedback, engage potential offerors, and pose questions to inform
+requirements development. Be specific in your GPE notices. For instance, if you are looking for
+specific information such as incentives, quality metrics or other information, state this clearly in
+your notice. It is important to promptly amend notices when the government’s schedule
+changes, so that contractors can plan accordingly.
+These efforts can be supplemented with creative tools such as virtual industry days, online
+forms to collect information easier, and industry-focused webinars or forums. These diverse
+feedback mechanisms support deeper understanding of marketplace capabilities, emerging
+technologies, pricing trends, and potential sources, leading to more informed acquisition
+decisions and better outcomes.
+FC 5.101 Crafting effective presolicitation notices.
+Develop presolicitation notices that are both informative and efficient by focusing on what
+vendors need to know to determine if the contract action is relevant to them.
+Prioritize clear and concise communication, including only necessary details while avoiding
+lengthy descriptions or redundant information. Link to attachments or government websites for
+comprehensive specifications rather than including that information in the presolicitation notice
+itself. Include applicable NAICS codes, dates, contracting office zip code, product or service
+codes, subject matter, proposed solicitation number when available, contact information,
+requirement description, place of performance, set-aside status, and special considerations
+such as compliance with 41 USC Ch. 83 - Buy American requirements.
+For product-specific acquisitions, include the following key specifications:
+● National Stock Number (NSN), if assigned
+● qualification requirements
+● manufacturer
+● part number
+● size and dimensions
+● predominant material
+● quantity and unit of issue
+● destination
+● delivery schedule
+● planned contract duration
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+FC 5.101(d) and FC 5.201(d) Response time considerations.
+Response periods should balance acquisition complexity, minimum regulatory posting
+requirements, the commercial nature of the acquisition, and urgency to ensure timely publication
+and reasonable opportunity for offerors to respond. Response times to notices are generally
+calculated from the publication date on the GPE unless otherwise specified in the notice.
+While the goal is to provide reasonable response times, certain circumstances, such as
+acquiring commercial products and services, may allow for shortened response times through
+the use of combined presolicitation notice and solicitation posting procedures or other expedited
+methods.
+Conversely, other factors may require longer response times. Always verify minimum posting
+periods based on regulatory requirements when applicable. Consider factors that may impact
+response times. For instance, submittals of sensitive information or intellectual property,
+confidential, or proprietary information may require offerors to obtain additional corporate
+approvals, necessitating longer response times.
+FC 5.102 Digital media over paid advertisements.
+While statutes may refer to paid advertisements in newspapers or trade publications, these
+approaches are generally less effective and more expensive in today's digital landscape.
+Acquisition teams should prioritize digital and online mediums since they reach wider
+audiences, cost less than paid advertisements, allow for more detailed information and
+interaction, and are easier to measure for effectiveness.
+Only consider paid advertisements when there is a compelling reason, such as demonstrated
+lack of digital access within the specific vendor community being targeted, and after thoroughly
+exploring other methods.