Overview
This section establishes the regulatory framework and purpose of FAR Subpart 37.6, which defines the policies and procedures agencies must follow when procuring services through performance-based acquisition methods.
Key Rules
- Service Focus: The subpart is specifically limited to the acquisition of services rather than supplies or construction.
- Methodology: It mandates the use of performance-based acquisition (PBA) strategies, which emphasize outcomes and measurable results.
- Regulatory Authority: This section serves as the formal "gateway" that triggers the specific requirements found in the subsequent sections (such as performance work statements and quality assurance surveillance plans).
Practical Implications
- Outcome-Oriented Contracting: Contracts governed by this subpart shift the focus from how a contractor performs the work to whether the contractor achieved the required results.
- Standardization: It ensures that federal agencies use a consistent approach when developing performance-based requirements, incentivizing contractor innovation and efficiency.