(a) Prior to deciding to use multi-agency or intra-agency contracting, the requesting organization must perform sufficient market research to consider the relative merits and costs of available contracts and contracting offices for meeting the requesting organization's need.
(b) Direct ordering conducted by HHS contracting officers using GSA vehicles, GWACs, and vehicles established under the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative does not require justification. HHS contracting officers should be cautious about using unfamiliar contract vehicles. When using vehicles other than those listed above, the Contracting Officer shall include in the contract file a D & F, which is prepared in consultation with the SBS, and which concludes that the chosen vehicle is the best way to obtain the required product or service.
(c) With the exception of assisted contracts and direct order acquisitions to be placed pursuant to the authority of the Economy Act, which always require preparation of a supporting D & F- see FAR 17.503, proposed assisted contracts approved as part of an annual or updated acquisition plan require no additional documentation or approvals.
(d) For proposed assisted contracts not approved as part of an annual or update acquisition plan, the requiring organization shall identify the potential servicing organization(s); summarize the services each source provides; and describe the compensation arrangement(s). The assigned contracting office shall be one of the alternatives considered. For multi-agency contract actions, this information shall be included in the Assisted Contracting D & F required in 317.7003(b).
