In which contracting procedures must contracting officers use the Uniform Contract Format (UCF)?

The Uniform Contract Format (UCF) is mandated for use in both Sealed Bidding and Contracting by Negotiation procedures. This format serves to promote clarity and consistency across contracts, facilitating easier evaluation and administration. By using the UCF, contracting officers can ensure that key contract components—such as the scope of work, clauses, and provisions—are organized in a standardized manner, which enhances communication and understanding among all parties involved.

Sealed bidding relies on competitive proposals with a focus on price, while contracting by negotiation allows for dialogue and adjustments between the parties. Utilizing UCF in both scenarios means that regardless of the method chosen, the contract structure is consistent, supporting efficient review and management processes.

The other choices are more restricted in their application of the UCF. For instance, cost-reimbursement contracts are not exclusively required to use the UCF, as this format may also be used for other types of contracts. Moreover, options mentioning agency-specific contracts or fixed-price contracts do not encompass the wider applicability of the UCF in the broader context of procurement practices within the government contracting framework. Thus, option B accurately reflects the requirement for UCF across different contracting procedures.