Contracting by negotiations is detailed in which FAR part?

Contracting by negotiations is thoroughly addressed in FAR Part 15. This part of the Federal Acquisition Regulation provides the regulatory framework for competitive negotiation procedures, including the processes for source selection and the evaluation of proposals. It covers the principles and practices essential for conducting negotiations effectively and ensures that contracting officers follow a structured approach when soliciting, evaluating, and awarding contracts based on the negotiation process.

FAR Part 15 outlines the types of negotiations permissible (e.g., for sealed bidding or competitive proposals) and specifies requirements for discussions, exchange of information, and the criteria for determining the best value to the government. This part is critical in establishing guidelines that help protect the integrity of the acquisition process, maintaining fairness and transparency.

Other parts of FAR are focused on different aspects of government contracting. For example, FAR Part 11 deals with obligations related to the description of agency needs, FAR Part 13 addresses simplified acquisition procedures, and FAR Part 19 focuses on policies related to small business programs. While all are important in the context of federal acquisitions, they do not specifically govern the negotiation processes as comprehensively as Part 15 does.