§ 837.271-3 - Guidelines for use of contracts for management and professional services.

(a) Contracts are appropriate when:

(1) Unusual or peak workloads occur that cannot be accomplished by Government personnel.

(2) Work involved is of an intermittent, occasional, or one-time nature for which the hiring of Government personnel is not feasible.

(3) They result in a more economical method of performing the work (see OMB Circular No. A-76, revised.)

(b) Contracts are inappropriate (improper or illegal) when:

(1) The service involves exercising a Governmental judgment; i.e., managing programs requiring value judgments; selection of priorities; direction of Federal employees; and all regulatory responsibilities.

(2) An employer-employee relationship would be established or involved.

(3) They circumvent personnel salary or ceiling limitations.