1.  Introduction.

This guide is written to help you prepare and process Acquisition Planning documentation for "Other Contracting" acquisitions as called for under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 7 as further supplemented by DFARS 207, and specifically called for under AFFARS 5307.104-92.  Specific guidance is provided for preparing either an "Other Contracting" Acquisition Plan (AP), or a Streamlined Acquisition Strategy Summary (SASS).  Construction acquisitions should refer to IG5336.9201 for details on Construction Acquisition Planning (AFFARS Library, Part 5336).  It is recommended that you use this guide when drafting your documentation that outlines a proposed acquisition strategy to ensure that critical elements such as schedule, funding, and contract/business arrangements are adequately addressed. This guide is not intended to serve as a substitute for the regulations.  Therefore, as each topic is discussed, specific regulatory citations may apply which need to be addressed in the AP.

a.  An AP is a document that provides the overall strategy for accomplishing and managing an acquisition.  The plan documents the approach to fill the need, optimize resources, and satisfy policy requirements for a proposed acquisition.  An AP should provide sufficient information so that someone unfamiliar with the acquisition will understand what is being proposed.  However, the plan need not be lengthy.  A concise, clear statement of the facts and rationale supporting the technical and business judgments is all that is necessary.

b.  Acquisitions under $8M are generally less complex in nature.  Since there are many ways to acquire the required products and services sought, planning is imperative.  Notwithstanding, planning for acquisitions with a dollar value above the SAT to <$8M may not require as much detail as more complex acquisitions.

c.  "Other Contracting" acquisitions with a value of more than $8M require a greater degree of planning driving a need for a more significant document.  Accordingly, an "Other Contracting" AP may be prepared using the "Other Contracting" AP template.  The template is a valuable tool because it allows all participants involved in the planning of an acquisition to establish an approach for meeting a government need logically and systematically.  The template may be tailored, as necessary, to address the individual acquisition.

d.  Although the technical focal point (project lead/program manager) has primary responsibility for preparation of the AP, crafting the strategy and writing the plan should be a team effort with participation by key members such as the contracting officer and functional specialists.   Representatives from Finance, Quality, Civil Engineering, Logistics, Safety, Environmental, Legal, and the Small Business Office should be included as part of the planning and documentation process.  For those acquisitions over $8M, it is also recommended that the local ACE or SAF/ACE office and headquarters staff be consulted for guidance on complex acquisitions.  If a plan proposes other than full and open competition, the Competition Advocate should also be involved.  The process of planning involves significant dialogue with all stakeholders.  When conducting the planning process (see AFFARS 5307.104-90), using a complete team of experts will help in vetting all crucial issues and assist in refinement of the plan.

e.  The documentation review process facilitates solidification of stakeholder commitment, ensures stakeholder support during plan execution, and the AP preserves a permanent record of decisions made regarding the acquisition strategy, which can be referenced by those who become involved in the future.