FAR Companion Part 5

Part 5 - Publicizing Contract Actions

FC5.000 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 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 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Companion 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.

FC5.000 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 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Companion ● 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.

FC5.101 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 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 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Companion 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.

FC5.101 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

FC5.101(d) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Companion 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, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Companion confidential, or proprietary information may require offerors to obtain additional corporate approvals, necessitating longer response times.

FC5.102 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.