(a) Generally, “pre-negotiation” and “post-negotiation” business clearances are required for each negotiated contract action. Business clearance memoranda (BCM) document the basis for approval of the action, and the basis for determination that the negotiated prices are fair and reasonable.
(b) For competitive acquisitions, the pre-BCM presents a chronology of the acquisition up to the determination of competitive range, and provides the basis for the competitive range decision. The post-BCM continues the chronology to contract award, and provides the basis for the award decision. If award is made without discussions, on the basis of original offers, the pre- and post-BCM may be combined.
(c) For contracts and modifications requiring price negotiations, the pre-BCM demonstrates to the approving official that the Government is ready to enter into negotiations. It addresses salient legal and regulatory requirements, and sets forth the Government’s negotiation objectives. It generally includes a discussion of the bases for the contractor’s proposal and the Government objective, DCAA and other Government pricing recommendations and the analysis done and conclusions reached by the negotiating team. The post-BCM describes the results of negotiations, and documents the basis for determining the negotiated price is fair and reasonable. Using the objective in the pre-BCM as a base, it addresses the reasons for any difference between the initial objective and the final negotiated amount. The pre- and post- BCM together constitute the documentation required by FAR 15.406-3 and DFARS 215.406-3, and should provide all the information required therein. In particular, the BCMs should document the use made of field pricing assistance, and describe the extent of Government reliance on the contractor’s cost or pricing data, if obtained, in sufficient detail to provide a basis for Government recovery in the event any of the data proves inaccurate, incomplete or not current.
(d) A discretionary format for business clearance memoranda is at Appendix 2.
