Overview
FAR 42.501 establishes the purpose of postaward orientations as a tool to ensure mutual understanding of contract requirements and identify potential issues early in the performance period. It clarifies that these orientations are discretionary and intended to supplement, not replace, the contractor's pre-award understanding of the contract.
Key Rules
- Primary Objectives: Orientations are designed to achieve a "clear and mutual understanding" of requirements and to resolve potential problems before they escalate.
- Prohibitions: The orientation cannot be used to alter the final agreement reached during negotiations or serve as a substitute for the contractor's duty to understand the requirements prior to submitting an offer.
- Small Business Focus: Postaward orientation is specifically encouraged for various small business categories, including small disadvantaged, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned small businesses.
- Discretionary Authority: The Contracting Officer (CO) has the final authority to decide if an orientation is necessary, regardless of requests from other government or contractor personnel.
- Timing: To achieve maximum benefit, orientations must be conducted promptly after the contract is awarded.
Practical Implications
- Postaward orientations function as a formal "kick-off" to align expectations, but contractors should be aware that these sessions cannot be used to renegotiate terms or scope.
- For small businesses, these sessions provide a critical opportunity to clarify administrative and technical hurdles early, reducing the risk of non-compliance or performance delays.