In accordance with FAR 6.102(d)(3), use of the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) Program is considered a “competitive procedure” under CICA when the FSS ordering procedures are followed – i.e., the Ordering Procedures for Supplies, and Services Not Requiring a Statement of Work (FAR 8.405-1) or the Ordering Procedures for Services Requiring a Statement of Work (FAR 8.405-2).

Service and construction contractors are required to report their purchases of biobased products for supply or use under Federal contracts.  The reporting requirement applies if:

·         Your contract or task order was signed between May 18, 2012 and September 30, 2012 AND

·         The contract or task order included FAR clause 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products under Service and Construction Contracts.

Ordering activities often ask why they should use GSA Schedules to meet their procurement needs, and what are the benefits of doing so?  In this article we will outline some key benefits of using GSA Schedules. 

Federal Acquisition Services (FAS) Senior Procurement Analyst Tommy Benton continues his Schedules vs. Open Markets video series from the 2012 GSA Expo. This video focuses on acquisition planning and tries to answer the question: FAR Subpart 8.4 and FAR Part 15 - how do they compare? Tommy shows side by side comparisons of FAR Subpart 8.4 and FAR Part 15 in key areas: Providing for full and open competition, solicitation methodology, evaluation procedures, and management/administration.   Click here to watch this video on YouTube.

Federal Acquisition Services (FAS) Senior Procurement Analyst Tommy Benton continues his Schedules vs. Open Markets video series from the 2012 GSA Expo. This video wraps up FAR Part 7 planning and goes into the differences between FAR Subpart 8.4 and FAR Part 13, covering full & open competition, solicitation procedures, evaluation procedures, management administration (good table comparisons shown). Click here to watch this video on YouTube.

Join us next Wednesday for the next clip of Schedules vs. Open Markets (Pt 10 of 11)!

Federal Acquisition Services (FAS) Senior Procurement Analyst Tommy Benton continues his Schedules vs. Open Markets video series from the 2012 GSA Expo. This video focuses on FAR Parts 8.4, 13, 15, and 51 and their applicability.  Tommy points out key selling points in each key FAR section, like Far 8.4 applicability and how the terms and conditions for a Schedule contractor are available online via eTools while also offering flexibilities to agencies by allowing them to add terms and conditions that may be unique to a specific agency.

Federal Acquisition Services (FAS) Senior Procurement Analyst Tommy Benton continues his Schedules vs. Open Markets video series from the 2012 GSA Expo. This video focuses on FAR Part 15 and what makes it different. Tommy looks at Part 15's ability to negotiate procurements after RFP solicitation and award with or without discussion. He also dives down into the timing considerations if an issuer is thinking about procuring with this method. Click here to watch this video on YouTube.