What factor is considered when determining contractor responsibility under FAR?

When determining contractor responsibility under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), financial stability and performance history are critical factors. The FAR emphasizes that contracting officers must ensure that potential contractors have the capability to perform the required tasks successfully. This encompasses assessing their financial resources, which ensures they can manage costs, pay employees, and maintain operations throughout the contract period.

Additionally, a contractor's past performance is evaluated to predict future performance. This includes examining the contractor's record on previous contracts regarding quality of work, adherence to schedule, and compliance with contract terms. A contractor's financial stability and performance history are indicators of their ability to fulfill obligations and provide a high level of service or product delivery.

The other factors listed, such as geographic location, the number of employees, and the cost of completing the contract, may play roles in specific situations but are not primary indicators of a contractor's responsibility according to FAR guidelines. Geographic location might affect logistics or communication, but it does not inherently indicate a contractor's ability to perform. The number of employees is less relevant than the quality and capability of the workforce as it relates to performance. Finally, while cost is an important consideration, it primarily concerns pricing and not the contractor's responsibility status.