Which part of the FAR covers the acquisition of commercial items?

Part 12 of the FAR is specifically focused on the acquisition of commercial items. This section is designed to streamline the procurement process for these types of items, recognizing their prevalence in the marketplace and simplifying the rules for federal contracts. By implementing policies that align with commercial practices, Part 12 seeks to encourage competition, reduce barriers for commercial businesses to sell to the government, and enhance the government's ability to access innovative products and services.

This part is crucial for ensuring that contracting officers understand the unique nature of commercial items and how they differ from traditional government acquisition practices. It outlines definitions, policies, and procedures applicable to commercial item acquisitions, helping to create a more efficient purchasing process that benefits both the government and suppliers.

In contrast, the other parts mentioned relate to different aspects of federal acquisition: Part 11 deals with the specifications and standards; Part 13 focuses on simplified acquisition procedures; and Part 15 handles the contracting by negotiation process. Each of these parts serves different purposes within the procurement framework, but only Part 12 is dedicated to the specifics of acquiring commercial items.