Overview
This section prescribes the mandatory provisions and clauses that contracting officers must incorporate into solicitations and contracts when utilizing reverse auctions for contract awards, ordering, or when procuring reverse auction services.
Key Rules
- Provision 52.217-10 (Reverse Auction): Must be included in solicitations when a reverse auction will be the method used to award a contract or Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA).
- Clause 52.217-11 (Reverse Auction—Orders): Must be included in solicitations and contracts for multiple-award contracts or BPAs if the government intends to use reverse auctions to compete and place individual orders.
- Clause 52.217-12 (Reverse Auction Services): Must be included in all solicitations and contracts specifically for the acquisition of reverse auction services from a third-party provider.
Practical Implications
- Contracting officers must determine the method of award and ordering during the acquisition planning phase to ensure the appropriate regulatory language is included before the solicitation is released.
- Contractors should review these clauses to understand the specific rules of engagement, bidding transparency, and platform requirements associated with the government's reverse auction process.