Under FAR, what does "commercial item" refer to?

Under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the term "commercial item" specifically refers to products and services that are available in the commercial marketplace. This definition captures items that are typically sold to the general public and not specially tailored for government use or provided under unique terms and conditions.

The emphasis on availability in the commercial marketplace implies that these items meet the standard commercial practices, pricing, and competition typical in private sector sales. By defining "commercial item" this way, the FAR seeks to streamline the acquisition process for items that are easily obtainable and widely used, thereby reducing the regulatory burden on both contractors and the government.

The other choices reflect items that are either exclusive to the government, uniquely developed for government needs, or not aligned with the commercial marketplace standard. This distinction underscores the importance of understanding what qualifies as a commercial item to facilitate efficient procurement practices in accordance with FAR guidelines.