(a) The procurement request (PR) is known as a “purchase requisition” (requisition) and is developed in NASA’s Integrated Enterprise Management Program/Core Financial Module (CF). In order for a requisition to be sent forward for action, CF requires that several coordinations be obtained first. However, there are additional required coordinations at the Agency level and sometimes at the Center level. The initiator of the requisition is responsible for obtaining those additional coordinations. A NASA Form (NF) 1707, Special Approvals and Affirmations for Requisitions, must be used to document additional coordinations. The form can be obtained at
http://server-mpo.arc.nasa.gov/Services/NEFS/User/ForSea.taf?function=search&sort=type. The completed NF 1707 and any additional special approvals or affirmations required must be electronically attached to the requisition in CF and must include the name of the approver and date approved. The contracting officer must include a hard copy in the contract file, or a link to the electronic copy. The procurement office must not accept a requisition until all required coordinations have been documented. The NF 1707 is not required for within scope actions for which special approvals and affirmations have previously been obtained. In addition, the NF 1707 is not required for grants, cooperative agreements, and space act agreements.
(b) Except in unusual circumstances, the contracting office shall not issue solicitations until an approved procurement request (PR), containing a certification that funds are available, has been received. However, the contracting office may take necessary actions, up to the point of obligation of funds, before the acceptance of the requisition certifying that funds are available only when -
1. Such action is necessary to meet critical program schedules;
2 . Program authority has been issued and funds to cover the acquisition will be available prior to the date set for contract award or contract modification;
3. The Procurement Officer authorizes such action in writing before solicitation issuance; and
4. The solicitation includes the clause at
FAR 52.232-18, Availability of Funds. The clause shall be deleted from the resultant contract.
