Overview
This section prohibits agencies from specifying rigid minimum experience or educational qualifications for contractor personnel in IT service solicitations unless specific justifications are met. It encourages a focus on performance outcomes rather than specific personnel credentials.
Key Rules
- General Prohibition: Contracting officers must not include minimum experience or educational requirements for contractor personnel in solicitations for information technology services.
- Exception - Necessity: Requirements may be included if the contracting officer determines the agency's needs cannot be met without those specific qualifications.
- Exception - Non-Performance-Based: Requirements may be included if the agency determines the acquisition must use a method other than performance-based acquisition (PBA) as defined in FAR Subpart 37.6.
Practical Implications
- Focus on Outcomes: Contractors are generally free to propose the best-qualified team based on their own internal standards, provided they can meet the performance objectives of the contract.
- Increased Competition: By removing arbitrary barriers like specific degree requirements, the government aims to increase the pool of eligible contractors and promote innovation in how IT services are delivered.