When soliciting offers that involve consolidation or bundling, when should market research be conducted?

Conducting market research before the acquisition planning phase is crucial when dealing with consolidation or bundling of contracts. This research allows organizations to gather essential information about the market environment, understand the availability of suppliers, and determine whether the proposed consolidation will result in increased efficiency or cost savings.

Engaging in market research at this stage ensures that decision-makers are informed about industry capabilities, the competitive landscape, and any potential risks associated with bundling multiple requirements. This proactive approach enables the agency to formulate a sound acquisition strategy that aligns with the needs of both the government and industry participants, facilitating a more effective solicitation process.

The timing of this research is critical; conducting it before acquisition planning ensures that insights can be effectively integrated into the planning process, thereby enhancing the likelihood of successful outcomes in both the solicitation and subsequent contract execution phases.