Overview
This section prescribes the mandatory and optional forms used by the government for soliciting, awarding, and recording offers for construction, dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements. It establishes the Standard Form 1442 as the primary instrument for these actions, particularly for high-value acquisitions.
Key Rules
- SF 1442 (Solicitation, Offer, and Award):
- Mandatory for construction or demolition contracts expected to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).
- Optional for contracts at or below the SAT.
- Block 13D Requirement: For sealed bids or noncancellable offers, the Contracting Officer must specify the number of days the offer remains valid for acceptance.
- OF 347 (Order for Supplies or Services): May be used for construction or demolition contracts at or below the SAT, provided that all mandatory clauses from FAR Subpart 36.5 and Part 13 are included.
- OF 1419/1419A (Abstract of Offers): Used to record and summarize offers received for both sealed bid and negotiated solicitations; automated equivalents are also permitted.
Practical Implications
- Standardization: Use of the SF 1442 ensures that complex construction requirements—including performance periods, bonding, and liquidated damages—are presented in a uniform format familiar to industry contractors.
- Small Purchase Flexibility: Contracting officers have the discretion to use simplified forms (OF 347) for smaller projects, reducing the administrative burden while still ensuring essential construction-specific legal protections are incorporated.