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PART_6 updated: 41 lines added, 1 lines removed

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-Part 6 - Competition Requirements ...........................................................................................14+Part 6 - Competition Requirements
+FC 6.103(b)(1) Use planning to optimize competition and innovation.
+Early acquisition planning creates opportunities to structure your approach for maximum
+competition and innovation and may reduce the need to use FAR part 6 exceptions to
+competition.
+With proper planning, you can break large requirements into smaller, more competitive
+packages; explore commercial solutions before developing custom requirements; and design
+evaluation criteria that reward innovative approaches.
+Identify and address potential barriers to competition, whether they stem from current contractor
+advantages, unique requirements, or market limitations.
+When you start planning early, you have time to develop multiple qualified sources, standardize
+requirements to enable broader competition, and work with industry to build capabilities before
+14
+Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Companion
+you need them. This proactive approach to acquisition planning often results in better solutions,
+lower costs, and a more robust vendor base for future requirements.
+Some competition exceptions may still be necessary due to legitimate market limitations or
+unique requirements. Thoughtful planning helps ensure that when you do use exceptions to
+competition, it’s based on genuine market conditions rather than poor planning and shows you
+considered the long-term impacts or risks presented by limiting competition. When using
+exception authorities, consider the implications for future competition requirements.
+FC 6.104 Preparing a strong Justification and Approval (J&A).
+The J&A should tell a clear story about why this particular approach serves the government's
+interests, what alternatives you considered, and why they won't work. Focus on the mission
+impact and practical realities rather than merely providing legal citations. A compelling narrative
+that demonstrates genuine market analysis and thoughtful decision-making will persuade
+approving officials and be more readily defended if challenged.
+A J&A isn't just a compliance document. It's your opportunity to show your sound acquisition
+planning and stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Therefore, treat your market research as the
+cornerstone of your justification, not an afterthought.
+Market research under FAR 6.104-1(a)(8) should explore not just who can provide what you
+need, but how the market actually works, what drives pricing and innovation, and what barriers
+exist to broader competition.
+When you conclude that only one source can meet your needs, your market research should
+clearly show why others cannot—whether due to technical capabilities, experience
+requirements, timeline constraints, or other legitimate factors. If you invest time and effort into
+understanding the marketplace, what you learn will make the rest of your justification more
+convincing to your audience, as well as easier to write.
+FC 6.104-1 Match J&A authority to reality.
+Misaligned authorities create approval delays and undermine your justification. Always choose
+the legal exception authority based on the actual circumstances driving your acquisition.