Overview
This section outlines the authority for agencies to evaluate proposed supplies under real-world or simulated "in-use" conditions as part of the preaward process. It allows for performance-based assessments to determine technical suitability without the administrative burden of a separate, formal test plan.
Key Rules
- Conditions for Use: Evaluation must occur under "comparable in-use conditions" relevant to the government's requirements.
- Solicitation Disclosure: The government must explicitly notify offerors in the solicitation if this evaluation method will be used.
- Documentation Flexibility: A formal, separate test plan is not required if the evaluation is conducted under this section.
- Evaluation Impact: Results may be used to rate proposals, determine technical acceptability, or support any other evaluation factor in accordance with FAR 15.305.
Practical Implications
- Agencies can utilize "bake-offs," field demonstrations, or pilot programs to verify a product's performance before making an award decision.
- It reduces the risk of post-award failure by allowing the government to confirm that a vendor's supply works in a practical environment rather than relying solely on written specifications.