Overview
FAR 4.1007 directs contracting officers to structure solicitations so that offerors can propose alternative line item structures, ensuring the contract matches the vendor's actual delivery capabilities.
Key Rules
- Solicitation Design: Agencies should actively format solicitations to accommodate alternative line item proposals from offerors.
- Regulatory Cross-References: This section specifically points to FAR 4.1008 for procedures and FAR 52.212-1(e) for commercial item instructions.
- Handling Aggregated Units: The rule specifically addresses units of measure like "kit," "set," or "lot" where a vendor might need to break the item down into multiple shipments that do not align with a single line item.
Practical Implications
- Prevents administrative roadblocks during the shipping and invoicing process by allowing the contract structure to reflect physical delivery realities.
- Provides offerors with the flexibility to propose more efficient logistics and grouping strategies that could lead to more competitive pricing or faster delivery schedules.