(S-90) Expanding the use of commercial items in Department of Defense (DoD) systems offers the DoD opportunities for reduced cycle time, faster insertion of new technology, lower life cycle costs, greater reliability and availability, and support from a more robust industrial base. Acquisition professionals are encouraged to expand their use of commercial items whenever practical, in accordance with FAR Part 12 and DFARS Part 212, as well as DoD Directive 5000.1. The Source Selection Authority for competitive acquisition of commercial items will be the Contracting Officer. Exceptions to this designation will be on a case-by-case basis documented and approved in writing by the Principal Assistant Responsible for Contracting (PARC), on a nondelegable basis, with a copy furnished to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Procurement) (DASA(P)). [AFARS Revision #21, dated May 22, 2007]
