§ 2937.205 - Management controls.

(a) Heads of contracting activities having a requirement for consulting or related services by either contract or purchase order to be awarded without competition (regardless of dollar amount) and competitive actions ($50,000 or more) are required to prepare a written justification for such services. This written justification shall be submitted to the Procurement Review Board (PRB) at least 60 days prior to the proposed effective date of the contract. Generally, requests for such services will be scheduled for review by the PRB within 21 working days. Heads of Contracting Activities retain final approval authority for all competitive acquisitions under $50,000. However, a copy of the justification for competitive acquisitions under $50,000 must be forwarded to the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management and the Inspector General within ten days of approval. Regardless of the type of action planned, the justification shall include the following:

(1) A statement of need which certifies that the requested services do not unnecessarily duplicate any previously performed work.

(2) Nature and scope of the problem, the results expected, and the manner in which the project will relate to an impact on the Contracting Activity administration and/or program management.

(3) That the services described in the request are not prohibited by OMB Circular A-120.

(4) Extent to which in-house staff availability was assessed, and the reasons why procurement of outside services are necessary.

(5) Any additional information or data which support the requirement for a contract.

(6) Name(s) and title(s) of official(s) who will be assigned as project officer(s) to work with the contractor, and who can be contacted for additional information.

(b) In accordance with FAR 37.205(b)(7), all purchase requests for consulting services initiated in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year must be submitted to the Procurement Review Board for action and subsequent approval by the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management.