Response to this statement..

I believe that everything in contracting start with communication, not only in contracting, but life in general. Communication brings all stakeholders together on the same page in the life cycle of the contract such as achieving milestones and understanding each others expectations, thoughts, and goals. I communicate with my customers what my expectations are as soon as I receive a new action from my supervisor and reach out to them regarding a new procurement request/contract. This will hopefully make the process flow more efficiently and also reduce the administrative burden to all parties involved, leading to an increased likelihood of a successful contract. One example is for a procurement request using FAR 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. When I receive a new action and the procurement request package, if it is a competitive purchase, I need at least three valid quotes (preferably from small businesses). If I do not have this, I immediately return the request over back to the customer to complete their market research, it is my contracting officers duty to promote competition so the government receives the best value.