Sam. Great points, all. FAR revisions affecting the public should be subject to review and public comment (APA). How or why is this not being done for these major revisions? RFPs will also afford agencies the opportunity to rank and rate offers (Best Value). Comparative evaluations very rarely result in nonresponsibility determinations where the offer of a small businesses (apparent successful offeror is eliminated). That offer would otherwise be subject to a Certificate of Competency referral to SBA; further limiting the ability of a small business to be re-evaluated by SBA for the possible award of that contract. Finally, RFP evaluations generally take longer to perform than sealed bids. Time saved? Much has changed since I retired from SBA.
Very good point about how RFPs give small businesses a second chance with nonresponsibility determinations. Thanks, Dean. It's great to hear from you, and I hope you are enjoying retirement. And, indeed, a lot has changed even since I left.
In a negotiated Best Value procurement, there are no “unacceptable” offers. Only “less acceptable’ offers. Hence, no one is determined “unacceptable”. No COC referral. I imagine a review of last year’s FY data would show a marked decline in COC referrals to SBA. Also, it looks like the number of SBA PCRs and Subcontracting Specialists has been drastically reduced. A subject for another discussion. Your insights are invaluable and much needed and appreciated.
Sam. Great points, all. FAR revisions affecting the public should be subject to review and public comment (APA). How or why is this not being done for these major revisions? RFPs will also afford agencies the opportunity to rank and rate offers (Best Value). Comparative evaluations very rarely result in nonresponsibility determinations where the offer of a small businesses (apparent successful offeror is eliminated). That offer would otherwise be subject to a Certificate of Competency referral to SBA; further limiting the ability of a small business to be re-evaluated by SBA for the possible award of that contract. Finally, RFP evaluations generally take longer to perform than sealed bids. Time saved? Much has changed since I retired from SBA.
Very good point about how RFPs give small businesses a second chance with nonresponsibility determinations. Thanks, Dean. It's great to hear from you, and I hope you are enjoying retirement. And, indeed, a lot has changed even since I left.
In a negotiated Best Value procurement, there are no “unacceptable” offers. Only “less acceptable’ offers. Hence, no one is determined “unacceptable”. No COC referral. I imagine a review of last year’s FY data would show a marked decline in COC referrals to SBA. Also, it looks like the number of SBA PCRs and Subcontracting Specialists has been drastically reduced. A subject for another discussion. Your insights are invaluable and much needed and appreciated.