Mr. James Newman, the contracting officer (CO), has a customer with a requirement that 460 computers be completely destroyed by an outside contractor under the supervision of two military members of the 38th Security Detachment. This effort will require that a new contract be awarded the desired award date about 5 months from now before the current fiscal year ends.

A review of the contract files indicates that there was a previous contract for the destruction of computer hard drives and recycling of the rest of the computer parts. The latest contract from a year ago for the destruction of 70 computers indicated a price of about $2,000 per computer for limited destruction services (with recycling), and the incumbent performed exceptionally well. It has expressed an interest in performing the work and has promised deep discounts for the Government on this work. There will be 460 computers to destroy. At $2,000 each, that would be $920,000, but there is likely a price break with a higher quantity. However, these computers will require complete destruction with no recycling of any parts, and validation certificates of destruction to be issued. It may cost more to do this. James has asked the Small Business Specialist (SBS) and the Competition Advocate (CA) to help him identify potential sources for this work. Four potential small businesses (including the incumbent) and twelve large businesses have been identified as likely sources to submit offers.

Which method of contracting (required source, simplified acquisition, sealed bidding, competitive proposals, IDIQ, etc.) would be appropriate for the destruction of the 460 computers? What considerations should be kept in mind as you select a contracting method?