4.1.  Source Selection Team

Source Selection Authority Designations [AFFARS 5315.303(a)]

4.1.1.  The Source Selection Authority shall -

4.1.1.1.  Be responsible for the proper and efficient conduct of the source selection process in accordance with this procedure.

4.1.1.2.  Appoint the respective chairpersons for the Source Selection Evaluation Team and the Source Selection Advisory Council when used.

4.1.1.2.1.  For ACAT I competitive acquisitions prior to Milestone B (pre-MDAP on Major Defense Acquisition Program lists), appointment of the chairperson for the Source Selection Evaluation Team and the Contracting Officer(s) requires approval of the Senior Procurement Executive (SPE).  In the absence of the SPE, the Deputy Assistant Secretary (Contracting) (DAS(C)) may approve these appointment(s).

4.1.1.2.2.  ACAT I competitive acquisitions, as referred to in paragraph 4.1.1.2.1, the Center Commander will submit nominations for SPE approval.  The nomination package(s) will be submitted to SAF/AQCK, safaqck.workflow@pentagon.af.mil, when acquisition officials/team members are assigned and allow 10 working days for SPE approval.  SAF/AQCK will coordinate nomination and approval packages with the DAS(C) and SPE.  Nomination packages will include background information on the candidates for each position.  Such information will describe each candidate's relevant experience and positions held and will provide a rationale for concluding that the selected candidate is the best qualified to perform the duties of SSET chairperson or Contracting Officer, as applicable.  The DAS(C) will review each nomination package prior to SPE consideration.  The DAS(C) and/or SPE, at their discretion, may interview proposed candidates.  Also, the DAS(C) or the SPE may request additional nominees be submitted for consideration.

4.1.1.3.  Establish a source selection team as needed and ensure that the team membership remains consistent for the duration of the selection process. IG 4.1.1.3

4.1.1.4.  Ensure all involved in the source selection are knowledgeable of policy and procedures for properly and efficiently conducting the source selection.

4.1.1.5  For ACAT or major service (Category I and IA) acquisitions, ensure no senior leader is assigned to or performs multiple leadership roles in the source selection in accordance with DFARS 203.170(a). IG 4.1.1.5

4.1.1.6.  Ensure that the source selection pacing is event driven and not schedule driven.  It is critical that realistic source selection schedules are established and source selection events are conducted in a manner that are efficient and effective in meeting overall program schedules and support proper and full compliance with source selection processes.

4.1.2.  The Source Selection Advisory Council Chairperson.  When the Source Selection Authority establishes a Source Selection Advisory Council, the appointed chairperson shall, subject to source selection authority approval, appoint source selection advisory council members and request additional assistance from other governmental sources such as Secretariat, HQ USAF, or from joint service members.  The chairperson shall ensure all Source Selection Advisory Council members are knowledgeable of their responsibilities. IG 4.1.2

4.1.3.  The Source Selection Evaluation Team Chairperson.  When the Source Selection Authority establishes a Source Selection Evaluation Team, the appointed chairperson shall --

4.1.3.1.  Appoint members to the Source Selection Evaluation Team, including a Performance Confidence Assessment Group and its chairperson as required, subject to approval of the Source Selection Authority.

4.1.3.2.  Establish a Performance Confidence Assessment Group for all source selections in excess of $100 million. IG 4.1.3.2

4.1.3.3.  Ensure personnel, resources, and time assigned to the source selection reflect the complexity of the program.  After source selection plan approval, any personnel changes to the Source Selection Evaluation Team may be approved by the Source Selection Evaluation Team chairperson in an addendum to the Source Selection Plan. IG 4.1.3.3

4.1.3.4.  Ensure members of the Source Selection Evaluation Team are knowledgeable of their responsibilities before any proposal is reviewed, including details on how the evaluation is to be conducted.

4.1.4.  The Contracting Officer shall --

4.1.4.1.  Ensure that, in accordance with AFFARS 5315.305(c), required approvals are obtained and contract clause requirements are met before non-government personnel are allowed to provide source selection support; and

4.1.4.2.  Manage all business aspects of the acquisition, and IG 4.1.4.2

4.1.4.3.  Assist and advise the Source Selection Authority on the proper execution of each source selection event in accordance with this procedure.

4.1.5.  Advisors.  The Source Selection Authority may establish advisors as necessary to assist in the source selection evaluation.  Although advisors may assist in and provide input regarding the evaluation, they may not determine ratings or rankings of offerors' proposals.

4.1.6.  Primary Responsibility.  Government personnel assigned as a source selection team member shall consider this duty as their primary responsibility. Their source selection assignment shall take precedence over other work assignments. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that other work assignments do not adversely impact the source selection process. Key members of the source selection team, such as the Source Selection Evaluation Team Chairperson, the Performance Confidence Assessment Group Chairperson and the contracting officer, shall have source selection experience, if possible, and be designated early in the acquisition process. IG 4.1.6