Contracting with the U.S. Air Force
November 20, 2001
David Dempsey - Northern Virginia
On October 5, 2001, the U. S. Air Force issued a memorandum calling for
"rapid, agile contracting support" during "Enduring
Freedom," and specifically identified the following authorities and methods
available to Air Force "acquisition warriors" in support of the
Campaign.
- A contracting officer need not submit a synopses of proposed contract
action when such disclosure would compromise national security; or when
contracting without full and open competition (or for purchases conducted
using simplified acquisition procedures, if unusual or compelling urgency
precludes competition to the maximum extent practicable) and the government
would be seriously injured if an agency complies with proposed contracting
action notice requirements. See Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR),
§§ 5.202, 5.203, 6.302.
- A contracting officer may look to authorized exemptions to competitive
contracting necessitated by an "unusual and compelling urgency," and
when full and open competition is determined not to be in the interest of
national security or the public interest. See FAR §§ 6.302, 6.303.
- Letter contracts may be used when the government’s interests demand that
a contractor be given a binding commitment so that work can begin
immediately. See FAR § 16.603.
- Oral requests for proposal are authorized when processing a written
solicitation would delay the acquisition of supplies or services to the
detriment of the government. See § FAR 15.203.
- The use of Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity task orders allows for
the placement of orders using any medium specified in a contract. Also, when
an agency’s need for supplies or services is urgent, the agency may utilize
the fair opportunity process exception when placing an order in excess of
$2,500. See FAR § 16.505.