"Acquisition planning" means the process by which the efforts of all personnel responsible for an acquisition are coordinated and integrated through a comprehensive plan for fulfilling the agency need in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost. It includes developing the overall strategy for managing the acquisition.

If the contractor needs to access the network, the contract requires an approved DD Form 254 - Contract Security Classification Specification. The DD254 advises contractors on the proper procedures to handle classified material received or generated under a classified contract. It identifies which security classification to use, who has oversight, and where.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.

A Justification and Approval (J&A) is required if you plan to award a contract without providing for full and open competition. There are several templates for J&As depending on the type of procurement. Consult the Contracting Office if you require assistance in selecting the appropriate J&A format.

Full and open competition, when used with respect to a contract action, means that all responsible sources are permitted to compete. Small Business set-asides fall under a category called "Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources" and are competitive acquisition strategies.

Submit to the Contracting Office a description of the requirement (Performance Work Statement (PWS) for services to include a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) and Inherently Governmental Function Certificate (IGFC)) or a product description (for supplies). Also, prepare an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), a Source Selection Plan (SSP), and a Technical Evaluation Plan (TEP) if applicable. Other documents may be required - contact the Contracting Office for further guidance.

Market research involves collecting and analyzing information about capabilities in the market to satisfy agency needs. Market research is required by 10 U.S.C. 2305(a)(1)(A)(ii) and U.S.C. 253a(a)(1)(B).

Once a requirement has been identified, defining the requirements is the next major step in the procurement process. It is the Requiring Activity (RA) that identifies, defines, and details its procurement needs. Only when the RA can succinctly identify its program's mission, accurately describe the program's relevant history, and confidently detail anticipated scope and requirements, is it ready to proceed through the contracting process.

"Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)” means an individual, including a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR), designated and authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer to perform specific technical or administrative functions. A COR is a key members of the acquisition workforce. A COR’s duties include, but are not limited to, defining the requirement, conducting market research, and conducting contract surveillance after award.