VIII.  DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AND THE RESULTS, OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASONS MARKET RESEARCH WAS NOT CONDUCTED

Discuss any market research conducted pursuant to FAR Part 10 and describe results of that research.  Market research is any effort undertaken to determine if sources capable of satisfying the agency's requirements exist and to determine if commercial items or non-developmental items are either available or can be modified so that they will satisfy the agency's needs. Market research should be focused not only on identifying alternate sources, but also on alternate equipment or substitutes that might fill the government needs with only minor modification.  Regardless of the approach used, the results should provide a high level of confidence that no other qualified sources exist.

Generally, some form of market research should be conducted, but it is most critical when citing the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only one (or a limited number of) responsible source(s).  Under such circumstances, use the following sentence:  "As described in Section VI above, market research, in accordance with FAR Part 10, was conducted by synopsis of the proposed acquisition, advising industry of the pending acquisition and soliciting inquiries from interested parties."

When other exceptions from the requirement to obtain full-and-open competition are relied upon, the market research might be limited to an examination of the acquisition history and experience with the marketplace under previous acquisitions for the same or similar items.

If no market research was conducted, so state and provide the rationale.