Which FAR part pertains to Contracting by Negotiation?

FAR part 15 specifically outlines the procedures and policies governing contracting by negotiation. This part provides the framework for competitive negotiations in federal contracting, detailing the processes for source selection, proposal evaluation, and the negotiation of contract terms and conditions. This is essential for ensuring that contracts are awarded based on a comprehensive assessment of proposals, which is critical for achieving the best value for the government.

The guidelines set forth in FAR part 15 facilitate a structured approach where factors such as technical capabilities, past performance, and price are considered comprehensively during the selection process. The emphasis on negotiation allows for discussions and refinements to proposals, fostering better solutions and enabling the government to clarify requirements and expectations.

While other parts of the FAR address different aspects of contracting, they do not focus specifically on the negotiation of contracts. For instance, FAR part 13 relates to simplified acquisition procedures, FAR part 14 deals with sealed bidding, and FAR part 16 addresses types of contracts rather than the negotiation process itself.