DFARS (DoD FAR Supplement) 231.205-18 was amended back in November 2016 to require contractors to engage in or document a technical interchange as part of the criteria for determining allowable IR&D (Independent Research and Development) costs. In order for IR&D costs to be determined allowable for IR&D projects initiated in fiscal years 2017 and later, major contractors are required to engage in a technical interchange with a technical or operational DoD Government employee before IR&D costs were incurred. Additionally, the regulations required that contractors document the interchange in the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC).
SOURCE: Requirement to Engage in Technical Exchanges of IR&D Projects Lifted
New Regulation Formalizes Ombudsman Practice and Identity for IDIQ Contracts
An ‘ombudsman’ is an official charged with addressing and/or investigating the interests of individuals’ or companies’
