System_Analysis_and_Design_Discussion_Responses **Prof Computer Science**
Discussion:
Learning Activity #1
One of the final actions a CO must do before making an award is determine that a contractor is responsible as defined by the FAR. What are some of the things the CO should look for in a contractor to make that determination?
Response 1:
Contracting Officer’s (CO) make award determinations as outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation. One of the final actions before making an award decision is to conclude that a contractor is responsible. There are seven very specific qualities that a contractor exhibits, or possesses, that allow them to meet the threshold to be determined responsible by the CO. They are outlined in FAR part 9.104-1, and listed below:
Have adequate financial resources to perform the contract, or the ability to obtain them
Be able to comply with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments
Have a satisfactory performance record
Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics
Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them.
Have the necessary production, construction, and technical equipment and facilities, or the ability to obtain them.
Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations (Federal Acquisition Regulation [FAR], Part 9.104-1).
While all of the qualities outlined in FAR part 9.104-1 are uniquely important, I found that they can be generalized into a few main ideas; resources, demonstrated ability, and legality. I see bullets one and six as a resources concern, while bullets two, three, four, and five can be grouped as demonstrated ability. Doing so leaves only bullet seven to cover legal concerns, although bullet four could go hear as well. But generally speaking, a CO must determine that a contractor has sufficient resources, demonstrated ability, and no legal restrictions to be deemed responsible.
Response 2:
According to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Contractors must have many responsibilities they must meet to win a contract. Some of these responsibilities include: Having adequate financial resources to perform the contract; Have a satisfactory performance record; Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics and; Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them (2017). This is a selection of the criteria that a contractor must meet. You can tell by reading through the list that not just any contract can win a contract, you must meet some specific requirements.
Federal Acquisition Regulation, 48 C.F.R. § 9.104-1 (2017).
