Overview
FAR 6.300 defines the purpose and applicability of Subpart 6.3, establishing the regulatory framework and legal justifications required when agencies bypass the standard requirement for full and open competition.
Key Rules
- Regulatory Framework: Establishes the policies and procedures that agencies must follow when full and open competition is not provided.
- Statutory Basis: Identifies the specific legal authorities (statutes) that permit exceptions to the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA).
- Procedural Mandate: Sets the stage for the mandatory use of Justifications and Approvals (J&As) for non-competitive actions.
Practical Implications
- This section serves as the "gateway" for sole-source or limited-competition contracting; if a procurement does not meet the criteria outlined in this subpart, it must be competed openly.
- Contracting officers rely on the authorities cited under this scope to legally defend decisions to restrict competition during audits or protests.