What should agency needs be described in terms of?

Describing agency needs in terms of commercial products or services allows for a clear understanding of what the agency is looking for in terms of solutions that are available in the marketplace. This approach aligns with best practices in procurement, which emphasize the importance of leveraging existing commercial offerings to meet government requirements efficiently and effectively. By focusing on commercial products or services, agencies can improve competition among suppliers, foster innovation, and potentially reduce costs and timeframes associated with the acquisition process.

Focusing solely on contractor specifications may limit the agency's understanding of available solutions and could lead to unnecessary constraints that do not encourage innovative proposals. Minimizing costs, while important, is typically a consideration of the broader procurement strategy rather than a specific descriptor of agency needs. Government directives provide a framework within which agencies operate, but they do not directly specify what products or services are needed to fulfill an agency's mission or objectives. Thus, emphasizing commercial products or services effectively captures the essence of the agency's requirements while remaining compliant with regulatory standards.