When Is Acquisition Planning Required?

The FAR requires agencies to perform acquisition planning and conduct market research for all acquisitions in order to promote: The acquisition of commercial items or, to the extent that commercial items suitable to meet the agency's needs are not available, non-developmental items.

What is a Acquisition plan?

An Acquisition Plan documents all cost, schedule, technical, business, management, and other considerations that will govern an acquisition program and is derived from the Acquisition Strategy. It summarizes the acquisition planning discussions and identifies milestones in the acquisition process.

Who is responsible for conducting acquisition planning?

The Federal Project Director is responsible for the development of the Acquisition Strategy documents for each project subject to 413.3A. The Acquisition Strategy documents should form the basis for developing the contract acquisition plan for specific contract actions.