Acquisition Tips & Tools #51: Acquisition Planning Policy and Guide

Issue Date: June 27, 2017

Introduction. In Tips & Tools #7 we introduced the importance of Acquisition Planning, and in #10 we provided the basic requirements of a complete Acquisition Requirements Package.  As a refresher, acquisition planning is the process by which the efforts of all personnel responsible for an acquisition are coordinated and integrated through a comprehensive plan for fulfilling the agency need in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost. It includes developing the overall strategy for managing the acquisition. In addition, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 7 prescribes policies and procedures for conducting acquisition planning, and discusses the required contents of written acquisition plans.

The most important phase of the contracting process is acquisition planning. In this first phase, key decisions are made which lay the foundation and create a path for the entire acquisition. The Contracting Officer (CO) and AQD customer form a team, establishing a mutual understanding of requirements and the best process by which to fulfill them. Variables such as conflicts of interest, competition, procurement methods, contract types, small business and socioeconomic considerations, and long-term administrative support are identified. The complexity and urgency of individual acquisitions will dictate procurement activities and timelines. The CO and AQD customer must work together throughout this process, but especially in the Acquisition Planning phase to establish realistic timelines to ensure the coordination of contract award and obligation of funds.

To help facilitate effective acquisition planning, IBCM-AQD-6900-035, Acquisition Planning policy was revised and a new AQD Acquisition Planning Guide was created and both were released on June 15, 2017. The effective date is July 1, 2017; however, the guide and templates may be used immediately, if beneficial. Notable changes to the policy include:

  • Added references to the AQD Acquisition Planning Guide

  • Raised the dollar threshold for a formal acquisition plan from $500,000 to $5,000,000

  • Added instructions on acquisition plan revisions

If asked by your CO to assist with the completion of the acquisition plan for your specific acquisition, the AQD Acquisition Planning Guide provides instructions and templates for both a streamlined and formal acquisition plan, as well as, guidance on how to document acquisition plan revisions. Both the policy and guide are attached for your convenience.

Remember these Tips and Tools are for you.  If you have any questions about the acquisition process, please contact your Contracting Officer.  Have a topic you want covered in the future? We want to hear it! Submit an email to aqdawareness@ibc.doi.gov or call us at 703-964-8800.