Overview
This section defines the scope and flexibility of Determinations and Findings (D&Fs), establishing that they typically apply to individual contract actions while allowing for class-wide applications and reasonable administrative variations.
Key Rules
- Individual vs. Class D&Fs: While a D&F is ordinarily for a single contract action, "class D&Fs" may be executed for groups of related contract actions unless specifically prohibited.
- Scope of Authority: The legal authority provided by a D&F is restricted to the specific contract actions reasonably described within the document.
- Permissible Variations: D&Fs allow for a reasonable degree of flexibility; variations in estimated quantities or prices are permitted unless the document explicitly states otherwise.
- Option Requirements: If the contract includes options, the D&F must clearly state the initial award quantity and the maximum limit of the increase permitted by those options.
Practical Implications
- Contracting Officers must ensure that the D&F is drafted broadly enough to encompass minor fluctuations in price and quantity to avoid the need for revised determinations during the procurement process.
- When planning multi-year or scalable requirements, the D&F must explicitly account for all options at the outset to ensure the entire potential contract value and scope are legally authorized.