Understanding the Hierarchy of Federal Contracting

Did you know the federal government has a list of required sources that contracting officers must consider using before a solicitation is posted on FedBizOpps? The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.002 provides a priority list that federal contracting officers must use in obtaining goods and services. There are a number of considerations that have gone into the creation of this list, including social and economic factors. On each list, the last purchase option for the government is commercial services. However, this is where most vendors reside. The next logical question is, how can you move up on the list? One of the best ways to move up is to get on a federal supply schedule. The General Services Administration (GSA) administers many of these schedule programs. Additionally, you can become a subcontractor for the Federal Prison Industries (FPI) or the Committee for Purchase for the People Who are Blind or Severely Handicapped. Remember, no matter how you decide to market your supplies or services, understanding the rules of the game is essential!

The list is in descending order of priority.

	Supplies 1. Agency inventories 2. Excess from other agencies 3. The Federal Prison Industries (FPI) 4. The Committee for Purchase for the People Who are Blind or Severely Handicapped 5. Wholesale supply sources 6. Mandatory federal supply schedules 7. Optional federal supply schedules 8. Commercial sources
	Services 1. The Committee for Purchase for the People Who are Blind or Severely Handicapped 2. Mandatory federal supply schedules 3. Optional federal supply schedules 4. Federal Prison Industries (FPI) 5. Commercial Sources

· Contact a PTAC counselor ·