What is "source selection" in FAR?

Source selection in the context of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) refers to the systematic process of evaluating proposals and subsequently choosing a contractor based on predetermined and established criteria. This is a critical step in the procurement process, particularly for competitive contracts, ensuring that the government selects a contractor that best meets its needs in terms of quality, price, and other relevant factors.

The source selection procedure involves a detailed review of proposals received in response to a solicitation, along with evaluating how well each proposal meets the established evaluation criteria. These criteria may include technical capability, past performance, and cost considerations, among others. The main objective is to ensure a fair and transparent selection process that ultimately leads to the best value for the taxpayer and the government.

The other options do not accurately represent the source selection process defined in FAR. For instance, negotiating costs pertains to post-selection practices rather than the criteria-based evaluation. Auditing contractor compliance is part of contract performance monitoring, while awarding grants and cooperative agreements constitutes a distinct process separate from contract procurement and source selection.