Overview
This section mandates that federal agencies publicize proposed contract actions to the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE) to ensure transparency and fulfill statutory requirements. Its primary focus is to increase competition and provide small businesses with equitable access to federal procurement opportunities.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Notification: Contracting officers must transmit a notice to the GPE for proposed contract actions and modifications for additional supplies or services that meet the threshold defined in FAR 5.101(a)(1) (generally over $25,000).
- Discretionary Notification: Agencies may publish notices for contract actions in any amount if it is determined to be advantageous to the Government.
- Specified Platform: The official Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE) is designated as the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
- Statutory Compliance: These requirements are driven by the Small Business Act and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act.
- Objectives: The specific goals of these notices are to improve small business access to information and enhance competition for both prime contracting and subcontracting opportunities.
Practical Implications
- Centralized Sourcing: Contractors and subcontractors should treat SAM.gov as the definitive source for finding federal opportunities, as the FAR mandates its use for most actions exceeding $25,000.
- Market Research & Competition: By requiring public notices, the government ensures a level playing field, forcing agencies to solicit broadly rather than relying on known incumbents.