(a) Agencies shall not consolidate contract requirements with an estimated total value exceeding $5.5 million unless the acquisition strategy includes-
(1) The results of market research;
(2) Identification of any alternative contracting approaches that would involve a lesser degree of consolidation; and
(3) A determination by the senior procurement executive that the consolidation is necessary and justified.
(i) Market research may indicate that consolidation of contract requirements is necessary and justified if the benefits of the acquisition strategy substantially exceed the benefits of each of the possible alternative contracting approaches. Benefits may include costs and, regardless of whether quantifiable in dollar amounts-
(ii) Savings in administrative or personnel costs alone do not constitute a sufficient justification for a consolidation of contract requirements unless the total amount of the cost savings is expected to be substantial in relation to the total cost of the procurement.
(b) Include the determination made in accordance with paragraph (a)(3) of this section in the contract file.
