(1) Requirement. The outcomes to be satisfied and if such outcomes are performance-based (see FAR Subpart 37.6). If not performance-based, obtain the Army Acquisition Executive (AAE) approval for acquisitions exceeding the dollar threshold identified at DFARS 237.170-2(a)(2); the measures of success for the service acquisition; and how the requirement was previously satisfied (if not new).
(i) Will the requirement be satisfied through the use of a non-DOD contract? If so, indicate whether appropriate approval has been obtained in accordance with the policy and procedures described at 5117.7802.
(ii) Include a discussion of the procurement history.
(iii) Address challenges that drive the mission or acquisition approach.
(iv) Indicate if there is any congressional interest in the requirement.
(v) Discuss opportunities for strategic sourcing.
(vi) All acquisitions of IT services, regardless of dollar value, are subject to the Clinger-Cohen Act: Subtitle III of Title 40 of the United States Code (40 U.S.C. 11101 et seq.) (Formally, Division E of the Clinger Cohen Act of 1996 40 U.S.C. 111101 et seq.) Discuss the specific applicability and implications of the Clinger-Cohen Act.
(2) Risk Management. Provide an assessment of current and potential technical, cost, schedule and performance risks, the level of stated risks, and a risk mitigation plan.
(3) Competition. Explain how full and open competition will be provided. If other than full and open competition applies to the acquisition, provide an explanation of why and a citation of the statutory authority that allows less than full and open competition. Plans for competition for any foreseeable follow-on acquisitions should also be addressed.
(i) Describe the nature and extent of the market research that was conducted. This should, at a minimum, address the identification of small business sources capable of performing the services and a discussion of how this information impacted the acquisition strategy for both prime and subcontracting opportunities.
(ii) Is this a consolidated requirement? If so, indicate whether appropriate approval has been obtained (see 5107.170-3(S-90)).
(4) Implications. How the new acquisition will support the achievements of small business goals/targets. How the new acquisition will support any other socio-economic and applicable directed programs.
(i) If this is a bundled requirement include the benefit analysis as prescribed in the DOD Benefit Analysis Guidebook located at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/news/guidebook.htm.
(ii) Indicate whether the Small Business Administration Procurement Center Representative (SBA PCR) has concurred on the DD Form 2579.
(iii) Include a discussion of subcontracting potential and goals.
(5) Business Arrangements. How the acquisition will be funded, the type of business arrangements anticipated (e.g., single contract, multiple award task order contract, task orders under existing multiple award contracts, interdepartmental transfers, and interdepartmental purchase requests), the duration of each business arrangement (base period and all option periods), cost estimate for the total planned acquisition, and pricing arrangements (e.g., fixed price, cost reimbursement, time and materiel, labor hour, or variations, based on guidance in FAR Part 16 and, for commercial services, in FAR Part 12). Task orders executed within a service acquisition reviewed pursuant to this subpart do not require a separate review, provided the task order is issued under the approved conditions. At a minimum, address the following:
(i) Include the total estimated dollar value of the procurement, to include all options.
(ii) Address whether funding is available and the type of funds that will be used.
(iii) Address the contract type and the basis for selection. If award fee contract type is used include a discussion of the award fee plan, related criteria and evaluation process to include how attainment of the metrics will be incorporated in the award fee evaluation.
(iv) Include a discussion of the source selection process - whether it will be formal or informal, proposed evaluation criteria, and the basis for award. If a formal source selection process will be used, do not identify the name of the SSA in the strategy.
(v) Discuss any waivers or deviations that will be required.
(vi) Discuss contract administration to include the involvement of the contracting officer representative (COR) and/or the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).
(vii) Discuss the existing or planned management approach following contract award to include the tracking procedures or processes used to monitor contract performance.
This approach could include, but not be limited to, a quality assurance surveillance plan and written oversight plans and responsibilities.
(viii) Include a milestone schedule which contains key points up to time of award.
(6) Multi-year contracts. If the acquisition strategy calls for a multi-year service contract (as distinguished from contracts that span multiple years - see FAR Subpart 17.1 and DFARS Subpart 217.171) to be entered into under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2306c, the acquisition strategy must address the Army’s plans for budgeting for termination liability. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-11 requires that multi-year service contracts be scored as operating leases. The acquisition strategy must address the budget scorekeeping that will result from use of the proposed contracting strategy.
(7) Leases. Include a lease-purchase strategy if required by OMB Circular A-94, Section 13.
(8) Metrics. Address the cost, the schedule and the performance metrics to include the plan for measuring service acquisition outcomes against requirements. If metrics are not submitted with the acquisition strategy, the metrics must be submitted for the Decision Authority approval prior to execution of any business instrument (e.g., contract, military interdepartmental purchase request (MIPR)) that initiates the acquisition.
