Code of Federal Regulations, Title 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System Chapters 15-28, Revised as of October 1, 2017

Title 48 of the Code contains regulations for acquisition planning, contracting methods, and contract types, including socioeconomic programs, general contracting requirements, special categories, contract management, clauses, and forms. It is updated annually by October, with publication following within six months.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 616 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2018
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Title 48 is a comprehensive set of regulations that govern various aspects of acquisition planning, contracting methods, contract types, socioeconomic programs, general contracting requirements, special categories of contracting, contract management, clauses, and forms. It provides detailed guidelines and criteria specific to different departments, agencies, and offices. These regulations are regularly updated and published annually by October, with the updated version becoming effective within six months of publication.

Acquisition planning:
Title 48 outlines the principles and procedures for developing and implementing acquisition plans. It covers the identification of needs, the evaluation of alternatives, and the selection of the most appropriate acquisition strategy. The regulations also provide guidance on the preparation of acquisition documents, such as the Request for Proposal (RFP) and the Acquisition Contract.

Contracting methods:
Title 48 specifies the various contracting methods that can be used, including competitive sourcing, sole-source contracting, and non-competitive contracts. It also sets forth the criteria and requirements for conducting competitive procurements, including the preparation of solicitation documents, the evaluation of proposals, and the selection of the winning bidder. The regulations also address the use of non-competitive contracts, such as emergency procurements and sole-source contracts, and provide guidance on the justification and approval of such contracts.

Contract types:
Title 48 defines the different types of contracts that can be used in federal acquisitions, including fixed-price contracts, cost-reimbursement contracts, time-and-material contracts, and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts. It provides guidance on the selection of the appropriate contract type based on the nature of the acquisition, the risks involved, and the contractor's capabilities. The regulations also address the terms and conditions of contracts, including the scope of work, the deliverables, the payment terms, and the performance requirements.

Socioeconomic programs:
Title 48 includes provisions for implementing socioeconomic programs in federal acquisitions. These programs aim to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the procurement process and to provide opportunities for small businesses, women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, and other disadvantaged businesses. The regulations provide guidance on the requirements for participating in socioeconomic programs, including the submission of socioeconomic statements and the identification of subcontractors.

General contracting requirements:
Title 48 sets forth the general contracting requirements that apply to all federal acquisitions. These requirements include the requirement for contractors to have the necessary qualifications, experience, and resources to perform the work required by the contract. The regulations also address the responsibilities of contractors, such as the provision of quality products and services, the adherence to contract terms and conditions, and the protection of classified information.

Special categories of contracting:
Title 48 recognizes the need for special categories of contracting to address unique requirements and circumstances. These categories include contracts for information technology (IT) services, contracts for construction, and contracts for services related to national security. The regulations provide guidance on the specific requirements and procedures for conducting these types of contracts, including the selection of contractors, the evaluation of proposals, and the management of contract risks.

Contract management:
Title 48 emphasizes the importance of effective contract management in federal acquisitions. It outlines the responsibilities of contracting officers, including the negotiation of contract terms and conditions, the monitoring of contractor performance, and the resolution of contract disputes. The regulations also provide guidance on the use of contract management tools and techniques, such as contract audits, risk management plans, and performance evaluations.

Clauses and forms:
Title 48 includes a variety of clauses and forms that are used in federal acquisitions. These clauses and forms cover a wide range of topics, such as intellectual property rights, nondisclosure agreements, dispute resolution procedures, and termination provisions. The regulations provide guidance on the use of these clauses and forms and on the negotiation of additional terms and conditions as necessary.

In conclusion, Title 48 is a comprehensive set of regulations that govern various aspects of federal acquisition planning, contracting methods, contract types, socioeconomic programs, general contracting requirements, special categories of contracting, contract management, clauses, and forms. These regulations are designed to ensure that federal acquisitions are conducted in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner. By adhering to these regulations, agencies and contractors can ensure that they are providing the best value for the taxpayer and that the public's interests are protected.

Weight: 806g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781630059576