(a) Purpose. A procurement quality assurance program is essential to the effective operation of each domestic contracting activity, Regional Procurement Support Office (RPSO), and procurements executed by overseas posts. Each domestic contracting activity and RPSO shall develop a quality assurance plan for review and approval of contract actions to ensure that all requirements of law, regulation, Departmental policy, and sound procurement practices are met, the taxpayer's interests are adequately protected, and the Department's mission is well-served. Because of A/OPE's review requirements, the quality assurance plan for overseas posts is effected by A/OPE.
(b) Contracting activity reviews. (1) Covered actions. All contract actions above the simplified acquisition threshold shall be independently reviewed by at least one qualified contracting professional who did not participate in the contract action. This includes solicitations, contracts, contract modifications, and delivery/task orders. This requirement is waived for overseas posts and RPSOs that have only one qualified contracting officer.
(2) Form and scope of review. The review shall focus on both compliance with statutory/regulatory requirements as well as good contracting practices. Reviews shall be in writing and shall be included in the official contract file along with documentation regarding the actions taken in response to the review.
Reviews should be limited in time to prevent unnecessary procurement lead-time, but thorough in scope, considering all documents in the contract file and all relevant contracting issues. Checklists may be used to facilitate a thorough review, as appropriate.
(3) Approval. The solicitation, contract, or contract modification being reviewed shall not be issued until all review comments requiring corrective action are satisfactorily resolved. Waivers shall not be granted except in unusual circumstances, and shall be approved in advance by the head of the contracting activity.
(c) Review by L/BA. L/BA shall review all contract actions (solicitations, contract awards, and modifications) exceeding $1 million.
