Contracting for services - Policy & Legislation

Program Manager, Sept-Dec, 2003 by Deidre A. Lee

SUBJECT: Contracting for Services

In order to address issues revealed during a Department of Defense Inspector General review of your organizations on "Contracts for Professional, Administrative, and Management Support Services," please take the following actions:

(1) Report to me by December 31, 2003, on your efforts to establish centers of excellence for service contracting, how the centers are used, and the experience gained at the centers.

(2) Review your acquisition organizations' practices to ensure that:

a. Contracting officers appoint all representatives in writing in accordance with DFARS 201.602-2(5). Such written appointments should include a description of the authority, duties, and limitations of the representative.

b. All contracting officer representatives are appropriately trained to perform their duties in accordance with DFARS 201.602-2(2).

c. The appropriate contract type is used when acquiring services based on the criteria specified in FAR Part 16 and DFARS Part 216.

Please furnish the outcome of these actions by March 31, 2004.

If you have any questions on this matter, please contact Mr. William Timperley at william.timperley@osd.mil, telephone (703) 797-8336.

Deidre A. Lee

Director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy