What does the term “Consolidation” mean under FAR?

The term "Consolidation" under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) refers specifically to the combining of two or more smaller requirements into a single, larger acquisition. This practice is often employed to streamline procurement processes, achieve economies of scale, and reduce the administrative burden associated with managing multiple contracts. By consolidating smaller contracts into one, agencies can simplify their acquisition strategies while also potentially leveraging greater purchasing power.

Other interpretations of contract management, such as segmenting contracts for specialized services, dividing contracts into phases, or merging multiple contracts for financial purposes, do not fully capture the essence of consolidation as defined in the FAR. These alternatives address different aspects of contract management, but they lack the specific focus on merging smaller acquisitions into a larger one, which is the core concept of consolidation in the context of the FAR.