Overview
This section prescribes the specific standard provisions and contract clauses that contracting officers must include in solicitations and awards when a contractor is required to utilize an Earned Value Management System (EVMS). It distinguishes between requirements for Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR) conducted before or after the contract award.
Key Rules
- Preaward IBR: Contracting officers must use a provision substantially the same as FAR 52.234-2 when an EVMS is required and the Government intends to conduct an Integrated Baseline Review prior to the contract award.
- Postaward IBR: Contracting officers must use a provision substantially the same as FAR 52.234-3 when an EVMS is required and the Integrated Baseline Review will be conducted after the contract award.
- General EVMS Requirement: Clause 52.234-4 must be inserted into all solicitations and contracts that require the contractor to maintain and use an EVMS, regardless of the timing of the baseline review.
Practical Implications
- Contractor Planning: Offerors must be prepared for rigorous technical and schedule audits either during the source selection process (preaward) or shortly after kickoff (postaward), depending on which provision is included in the solicitation.
- Compliance Standard: The mandatory inclusion of clause 52.234-4 ensures that the Government has a contractual mechanism to enforce industry-standard management systems for tracking cost, schedule, and performance on major acquisitions.