Preferred Choice of Acquisition
The most suitable simplified acquisition method for my company is the Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP). SAP is preferred in this case as it is an approach designed to reduce the tiresome processes and the administrative burden. It involves less paperwork and lower costs of conducting the acquisition process, which is beneficial for the company and the government (USAID, 2018). It will enable the company to keep the whole acquisition simple because formal evaluation plans that are often tedious will not be necessary in this case. Additionally, the company still develops and plans on expanding its size and influence on the market. SAP is an oversimplified method that has the potential for the most profitable outcome for both sides. This approach allows to work in a legal field and increases the chance of fair procedures. Thus, the SAP approach offers a wide range of low-cost opportunities on the multilateral level with a potential of a successful outcome.
The preferred method of purchase, the Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), is a standardized procedural approach, subject to Part 13 of the FAR. According to Campbell (2017), “traditional” BPAs can be awarded no minimum amount requirement and contain frameworks with potential usage for future cooperations. The company is on the developing level and looking to expand its growth in the future, which means that winning contracts are solely meant to foster this goal. Using “traditional” BPA as a purchase method will be advantageous as it provides prospects for its future expansion.
Sections that Might Cause Problems
It is essential to consider the Uniform Contract Format details that might cause problems concerning this case scenario. McNally (2021) defines the Uniform Contract Format as “a standardized means of creating government solicitations” (para. 4). It has four parts and thirteen sections. The fourth part will be the most crucial in this case. It consists of three sections: sections K, L, and M. Section L deals with the respondents’ directives, conditions, and notices. In essence, it defines contract principles proving that it is a fair and open competition, which infers that any responsible firm can take the opportunity to compete and win the contract. Section M explains the submission procedure to the potential offer and how companies will be evaluated against other competitors. Therefore, it makes these sections so critical to the process.
Section L and M could present the issue of not obtaining the contract on the finalizing stages as they contain the offeror’s information where the smaller company’s resume may look weaker. Section L entails general costs information, which will require upfront specification as part of contract solicitation. This section will define how the competition will dictate the company’s approach to competing with potential respondents. Without a detailed analysis and deep operationalization methods, the company may experience difficulties while presenting its resume. Hence, considering the size and relatively low experience of the company to combat this issue, to following procedures should be followed: 1) solid operationalization of the business on all levels to present the most relevant data and infographics; 2) adequate planning and evaluation of the current assets; 3) the presentation of the company’s potential strategies for development.
Focusing on quality cost information over quantity may work well for the company in this section. Section M reveals what matters most to the government. The main evaluation criteria are technical capability, past performance, and pricing. The most critical issue could be pricing and technical capabilities. As a new developing small business and company, it is necessary to conduct the full audit for the past, present, and potential future orders. Since the company will be evaluated on the governmental level, it essential to make sure that all the documentation is appropriately authorized. The steps recommended in section L are necessary to implement to combat the limitations in this section. The challenge to prove technological superiority could be performed through the presentation of the present innovations implemented into the company’s internal processes. Additionally, the company’s reputation with the Energy Department for its quality and reliability may be a beneficial tool in this case. Thus, leveraging these aspects is significant to obtain the contract.
References
Campbell, R. (2017). BPAs, what are they? CSG Federal Blog. Web.
McNally, F. (2021). How to bid on government contracts: The uniform contract format. Public Spend Forum.
USAID. (2018). Simplified acquisition guide: An additional help for ads chapter 302 [PDF document]. Web.