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-Part 10 - Market Research ........................................................................................................25+Part 10 - Market Research
+FC 10.001 Conducting market research.
+Federal acquisition teams should approach market research as an incremental process that
+builds understanding step by step. Start by getting familiar with the marketplace relevant to your
+buy, and what capabilities are available, especially if you're working in an area that's new to you
+or your agency.
+Once you understand the marketplace for your requirement, determine if existing agency
+capabilities can fulfill the need. If you do not already have the capability within your agency, the
+next phase of market research can focus on whether shared services and other existing federal
+contract vehicles already offer the products or services you need. This can save time and effort.
+If existing contracts don't meet your requirements, then assess the marketplace more broadly
+for an open market acquisition. Throughout this process, examine whether commercial products
+or services can work as-is or with minor changes, and consider how industry typically handles
+contracts, warranties, and support.
+Market research can also reveal how your requirement may be met by small businesses, non-
+traditional contractors, or new entrants. The amount of research you do should match your
+situation—simple purchases need less research than complex ones, and you can often build on
+research that's already been done if it's still relevant. Remember, if commercial options seem
+limited at first, consider whether you can adjust your requirements to use what's available in the
+marketplace. Research thoroughly as you frame your decision.
+FC 10.001(b) Data-informed decision-making.
+The Federal acquisition workforce has access to relevant and up-to-date data to frame market
+research and resultant acquisition decisions.
+This data is in systems such as, but not limited to, the System for Award Management
+(SAM.gov), the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS.gov), the
+Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS.gov), the U.S. Small Business Administration Small
+Business Search, and other tools and datasets accessible through websites such as
+Acquisition.gov and Acquisition Gateway.
+Use available data to shape strategies that match market realities, especially when deciding
+between acquisition methods or assessing vendor capability. You have discretion to use what is
+appropriate, as your professional judgment is trusted.
+FC 10.001(b) Sources for market research.
+Meaningful engagement with industry helps to ensure your market research supports well-
+formed requirements and sound acquisition strategies, especially in complex or changing
+markets. You have flexibility to scale your efforts based on the size, complexity, and market
+conditions pertinent to your acquisition. Sources of market research used to inform an
+acquisition should reflect current market conditions.
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+When conducting market research, you have a multitude of options for gathering information
+about the marketplace. These options include both desk research and industry engagement,
+such as:
+● Reviewing existing contract databases and procurement records to see what other
+agencies with similar requirements have purchased.
+● Reviewing industry publications and trade journals to understand available products and
+market trends.
+● Learning from industry through presolicitation conferences, industry days, reverse
+industry days, trade conferences, special notices, sources sought, requests for
+information, technical discussions, capability presentations, site visits, and online forums
+where vendors and government buyers exchange information.
+● Examining supplier information from online resources like federal solution finders,
+category management websites, vendor websites, and on-line product literature.
+● Talking with colleagues both within your agency and at other agencies who have worked
+on similar acquisitions or reaching out to technical experts who understand the
+requirements.
+FC 10.001(c) Exchanges with industry.
+Exchanges with industry before issuing the formal solicitation are considered market research.
+The main purpose in this stage is to develop requirements and to form the most suitable
+competitive approach to meeting the agency’s needs.
+During market research, government officials including the program manager, users, small
+business specialists, IT specialists, as well as the contracting officer, can meet one-on-one with
+potential offerors. Government officials are not required to meet with all possible offerors. As a
+reminder, government officials must never promise business to any company or share other
+companies’ information during exchanges.
+FC 10.001(c) Industry engagement opportunities.
+Industry days and presolicitation conferences directly benefit the government by promoting a
+common understanding of the agency’s requirements and procurement specific information
+(such as requirements or solicitation terms and conditions).
+These engagement opportunities, when well conducted, also benefit industry – especially small
+businesses – by providing prime contractors and subcontractors a chance to meet and develop
+relationships or teaming agreements that benefit contract performance.
+The value of these events derives from the government’s willingness to provide maximum
+information to industry on its requirements, answer questions, and improve the solicitation
+based on feedback from potential offerors and contractors.
+FC 10.001(d) Requests for Information & Special Notices.
+In government procurement, Special Notices, Sources Sought, and Requests for Information
+(RFIs) are essential for communication between agencies and industry partners. They enable
+the government to gather information and assess market capabilities before solicitations are
+issued.
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+These notices are a means to signal upcoming opportunities. Sources Sought Notices are
+typically published to identify potential contractors, while Special Notices allow for formal
+information exchange before issuing a solicitation.
+Both of these help the government identify qualified suppliers through demonstrated capabilities
+and get feedback from industry on draft government requirements.
+They help vendors gain visibility and prepare for future solicitations by responding with
+information on their expertise and offerings.
+These tools help the government refine acquisition strategies before releasing a solicitation.
+FC 10.001 Commercial acquisitions.
+Under FAR 10.001, market research is not required prior to soliciting offers for acquisitions with
+an estimated value up to the simplified acquisition threshold. Further, a written market research
+report is not required prior to placing an order for commercial products or services under
+existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts or governmentwide acquisition contracts
+established by category management.
+The contracting officer’s award documentation can serve as sufficient documentation of market
+research depending on the size and complexity of the acquisition. Refer to the applicable
+ordering procedures of the contract vehicle for specific guidance.