UMUC BMGT339 week 2 activities

Week 2 Learning Activity 1 Acquisition Planning:Read the definition of acquisition planning in FAR 2.101, then read FAR 7.102 and discuss in your own words the government’s policy on acquisition planning.According to FAR 7.105(b)(2) summarize what is required to be addressed in written acquisition plans and when are they required?Read FAR 7.103 and identify who is responsible for agency planning.Week 2 Learning Activity 2:Contracting professionals working in the federal government are encouraged to promote early exchanges of information about upcoming acquisitions. This exchange of information allow industry to understand government requirements and helps the government to understand industry’s capabilities so we can understand if and how industry can satisfy government requirements.These exchanges should always be consistent with procurement integrity. (FAR 3.104)These exchanges are outlined in FAR 15.201.Read FAR 15.201 and discuss how you could use these exchanges for both the government and contractor to understand the requirement.Week 2 Learning Activity 3 Publicizing Contract Actions:Read FAR 5.001 so you can understand the definition of a ‘contract action’.Keep reading…FAR 5.002 and share with the class your interpretation of the government’s policy for publicizing contract actions.Go back to FAR 2.101 (definitions) and discuss what we mean by Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE). This is important to understand. Take a look at: https://www.fbo.gov (FEDBIZOPS.gov)Read FAR 5.101 and share how contracting officers must disseminate information. The FAR has a lot to say about this.Now look at FAR 5.201and discuss which acquisition contracting officers need to transmit a notice in the GPE.The purpose of publicizing contract actions is to increase competition, broaden industry participations, and meet socioeconomic policies.When proposed contract actions are expected to exceed $15,000 but not $25,000, you need to announce for at least 10 days.Proposed contracts that are expected to exceed $25,000 must be publicized through the Government Point of Entry (GPE) unless there is an exception. (FAR 5.207)Also,look at the exceptions to publicizing in FAR 5.202 and discuss the exceptios for commercial items. (FAR 5.203 and FAR 12.603)Suppose you are buying $19,000 worth of commercial tools, what’s your requirement to publicize?Hint: FAR 5.101(a)(2)Weekly Activity 4 Competition Requirements:Full and open competition is a requirement of the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) of 1984, which is implemented in FAR Part 6. CICA is the law.One of the primary goals of acquisition planning is to promote and provide for “full and open competition” with due regard to the nature of the supplies or services to be acquired.Look at FAR 2.101 and define Full and Open Competition.When the government’s need cannot be met by a required source, the agency may purchase from the open market. These acquisition usually require the agency to seek competition.Competition is the most fundamental goal of acquisition planning because it is believed that obtaining competition is the best method of making sure the government receives supplies and services at a fair and reasonable price. (FAR 6.101(a)There are seven situations where use of other than full and open competition is authorized. Find them in FAR Part 6 and discuss the policy on contracting without providing for full and open competition.Remember, the government is alway ‘fair and reasonable’ but fair does not always mean equal (small business).Full and Open Competition means all responsible sources are permited to compete.Discuss the Competition in Contracting Act, what we mean by ‘responsible’, and how do we know if the contractor is ‘responsible’.Learning Activity 5 Required Sources of Supplies and Services (FAR Part 8):One of the most critical tasks in acquisition planning process is the determination of the sources that are available to meet the needs of the government.For some products and services there are mandatory sources.Browse through FAR Part 8 and discuss mandatory sources. Does the requirement for supplies differ from the requirement for services?Hint: FAR 8.002(a)(1) and FAR 8.002(a)(2).