Assignment
Discussion 1
Learning Activity #1
Two of the key players in the acquisition process for the Federal Government are the Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). Discuss their roles, authority and limitations as defined by the FAR.
Learning Activity #2
Go to the Government Accountability Office Protest site GAO Protest. Search for Case File B-295463. While the protest addresses several issues there is specific reference to FAR 3.104. Please discuss the issues raised, how the FAR was applied and the GAO Decision.
Discussion 2
Learning Activity #1
FAR 5 requires that Government contracting encourages competition and small business participation. Go to Federal Business Opportunities FedBizOpps.gov and look up solicitation W15QKN-17-Q-1072. Discuss how this solicitation does or does not meet this requirement of the FAR.
Learning Activity #2
Inherently Governmental functions are a constant concern in Federal Contracting. It is important that a Contracting Officer ensure that they do not issue a contract that violates this requirement. In addition a CO must be wary that performance of a contract issued does not "drift" into an IG violation over its life. While the FAR list specific IG violations but also notes some things which may be apparent violations. List three of these functions and discuss why they may be possible violations.
Discussion 3
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?
Learning Activity #2
Go to the Government Accountability Office Protest site GAO Protest. Search for Case File B-411552. Please discuss the issues raised concerning Market Research, how the FAR was applied and the GAO Decision.
Discussion 4
Learning Activity #1
COTS and other non-developmental purchases are favored and encouraged by the Government acquisition offices. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of contracting?
Learning Activity #2
The Government Purchase Card program has greatly expanded. The Agency/Organization Program Coordinator (A/OPC), Approving Official (AO) and Cardholder (CO) are all critical players. Read the Treasury Financial Manual 4-4500 TFM 4-4500 then discuss their roles and responsibilities.
Discussion 5
Learning Activity #1
Part of this week's reading requirement is DoD guide on creating a competitive environment. With the advent of the FAR in the mid-1980s Sealed Bidding, once the preferred Federal Acquisition method, has fallen out of favor and is seldom used. But it remains part of the FAR and is allowable. What are some of the advantages of Sealed Bidding over other acquisition methods?
Learning Activity #2
Part of the reading included different contract types. Select a contract type and discuss the pros and cons of its use.
Discussion 6
Learning Activity #1
When determining the level of inspections required by the Government what are some of the things the CO should take into consideration?
Learning Activity #2
What are some of the contractor's responsibilities in establishing a quality assurance program? What are some of the issues that may impact the type and level of quality inspections they conduct?
Discussion 7
Learning Activity #1
Modifications allow the CO a broad range and ability to change a contract. What are some of the issues that a CO must consider to ensure that contract mod is "within scope"?
Learning Activity #2
Contract Modifications are used to make changes to the award. They come in two types- Bilateral and Unilateral. Discuss each type and the types of changes that are specific to each.
Discussion 8
Learning Activity #1
What are some of the courses of action that a CO should consider before starting the termination of a contractor who is not performing well?
Learning Activity #2
Once a contractor is notified that their contract is being terminated what are some of the things they should do? How does the type of termination affect the contractor's options?