Government Solicitation Did Not Meet Minimum Standards | PNWC’s Government Contracting Update

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) issued a solicitation, using simplified acquisition procedures, to supply diesel fuel to a Navajo District school (Mariano Lake Community School). The procurement was set aside for Indian small business economic enterprises (ISBEE). When the Government uses simplified acquisition procedures, it is not required to use full and open competition to conduct the procurement. Instead, the Government is required to promote competition to the maximum extent practicable. Typically, this means posting the notice in a public place at the contracting office for at least 10 days. Beyond that, the Government must also conduct the procurement consistent with a concern for fair and equitable competition. So, for example, a contracting officer cannot solicit one source and fail to properly post a notification.

Source: PNWC’s Government Contracting Update: Government Solicitation Did Not Meet Minimum Standards