How many days must the contract action for the noncommercial amphibious vehicle be publicized prior to issuing the solicitation?

The correct answer is 15 days because federal regulations dictate specific timeframes for publicizing contract actions, particularly for noncommercial items. According to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), when it comes to publicizing a solicitation for a noncommercial item, the requirement is to provide at least 15 days' notice prior to issuing the solicitation. This timeframe allows potential contractors to review the solicitation and prepare their bids, fostering competition and ensuring that interested parties have adequate time to respond.

Understanding these timeframes is crucial in the contracting process because they establish transparency and fairness in procurement, ensuring that a broad range of suppliers has the opportunity to compete for government contracts.