The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DARS) establishes uniform DISA policies implementing and supplementing the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS), Title 10 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) and other statutory authority, and applicable Department of Defense (DoD) directives and instructions. The DARS is not a “stand alone” document and must be read in conjunction with the preceding guidance.

1.103 Authority.

The Director for Procurement (PLD), issues the DARS by authority of the Director, DISA, (DISAI 260-5-1).

201.104 Applicability.

The DARS applies to all acquisitions processed or managed by DISA, except where expressly excluded.

Policies/procedures of non-DISA customers are acceptable as long as they comply with applicable laws and regulations. For example:

Requirements office generated documents (acquisition plans, justifications and approvals, etc.)

need not be in the DISA format, contain DISA supplemental information, etc.

DARS policies requiring DISA requirements offices to report to the Director would not be enforced on external customers.

1.105-3 Copies.

Copies of the DARS and associated acquisition policies and procedures are available electronically via the DISA Acquisition Policy and Guidance web site: http://www.ditco.disa.mil/hq/aqinfo.asp.

201.170 Peer Reviews

(a/k/a Independent Management Reviews per DoDI 5000.2, 8 Dec 08)

(a) Acquisitions valued at $1 billion or more. Peer Review of DISA procurements valued at $1 billion or more (including optional contract periods and optional CLINs) shall be conducted in accordance with DFARS 201.170(a). See http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/cpic/cp/peer_reviews.html for additional information on the OSD/DPAP (Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (Contract Policy and International Contracting) Peer Review program. Peer reviews and team members will be appointed by DPAP. All peer review documentation prepared for DPAP-level reviews shall be coordinated with the cognizant Head of the Contracting Office (HCO), and forwarded to the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) for review/approval prior to submission to DPAP.

(1)(ii) Acquisitions valued at $500 million or more (sole source). Peer Review of DISA sole source procurements valued at $500 million or more (including optional contract periods and optional CLINs) shall also be conducted in accordance with DFARS 201.170(a) via the same process as identified in subparagraph (a) above.

(2) The DISA HCA shall provide a rolling annual forecast of (pre and post-award) acquisitions with an anticipated value of $1 billion or more (including all options) at the end of each quarter (i.e., March

31; June 30; September 30; December 31), to the Deputy Director, DPAP, 3060 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3060 or via email.

(b) Acquisitions valued at less than $1 billion. The DISA Contracting Peer Review Program (CPRP) for Supplies and Services establishes policy and procedures for conducting Peer Reviews of all solicitations, contracts, and task orders/delivery orders with a total estimated contract value (including options) of $250 million or more, but less than $1 billion for competitive acquisition and $250 million or more, but less than $500 million for sole source acquisitions. Communication Service Authorizations (CSAs) issued using the DISA streamlined Inquiry/Quote/ Order (IQO) process or issued against an indefinite delivery contract are excluded.

(S-91) Peer Review Timelines/PALTs. During the development of an acquisition plan, contracting officers (COs) shall take into account the requirement for scheduling and conducting a Peer Review in accordance with this section. The additional time required for each DISA Peer Review is a minimum of 3 business days for each decision point (OSD timelines may be different), this time reflects the initial review and submission of findings/comments to the CO.

(S-92) Objective. The objective of the DISA CPRP is to (1) ensure that contracting officers across the Procurement Directorate (PLD) are implementing law, policy and regulations in a consistent and accurate manner; (2) improve the quality of acquisition and contracting processes across DISA; and (3) share best practices and lessons learned. The findings and recommendations of the peer reviews are advisory in nature, providing supplemental information to the contracting officer regarding acquisition strategy, contract structure, format, content and compliance. DISA CPRP procedures are established in accordance with OSD Memorandum, Peer Reviews of Contracts for Supplies and Services, at http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/USA000820-08-DPAP.pdf.

(1) Pre-award Peer Reviews of solicitations shall be conducted at the following decision points:

a. Competitive Services ($250M or above, but less than $1 billion)

i. Prior to issuance of the solicitation (pre-solicitation);

ii. Prior to Request for Final Proposal revision (FPR) (pre-FPR); and*

iii. Prior to contract award (pre-award)*

* Note: if the contracting officer will make award without discussions, pre-FPR/pre-award peer reviews can be combined into one (1) single, ‘pre-award’ review.

b. Non-Competitive Services ($250M and above, but less than $500 million)

i. Prior to negotiation (pre-negotiation); and

ii. Prior to contract award (pre-award)

* Note: if a procurement is solicited as competitive and only one (1) proposal is received, for peer reviews, the procurement moves to a single source environment, and shall follow subparagraph (b) above, peer reviews ‘prior to negotiations’ and ‘prior to contract award’.

(2) Post-award Peer Reviews of contracts for services shall be conducted at the following decision points, and shall be focused primarily on the adequacy of the competition, an assessment of actual contract performance/reporting, business process, compliance, contract statistics, adequacy of Government surveillance of contract performance, trends and lessons learned.

a. Mid-point of the initial (base) performance period if in excess of one year and annually thereafter; and

b. Prior to exercising each option period of performance.

(S-93) Requesting a Peer Review. The requirement for a Peer Review will be identified at the start of an acquisition (e.g., Acquisition Strategy (AS) meetings, preparation of acquisition package or Acquisition Plan (AP)). Peer Review requests shall be issued immediately after final approval of the AS/AP, and AP shall include all appropriate peer review milestones (paragraph 21 of AP template). The use of collaborative communication tools, such as teleconferencing, email, and/or VTC are highly encouraged where practicable in support of both internal and external peer reviews.

(1) The functional peer review shall be conducted by an independent, contracting representative from PLD. The contracting field office receiving the acquisition (package) shall determine whether the procurement requires a peer review based on thresholds identified above. The contracting office will prepare a “Request for Peer Review” (https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DITCOContractingTemplates/Default.asp ) memorandum, thru their COCO/HCO to the PL2 Chief. The request shall also include a statement if Legal (GC) or Technical (mission partner) support is requested based on HCO assessment of the requirements and resulting contract. PLD approval is at the PL2 level. Upon PL2 concurrence of the request, the PL22 Peer Review Program Coordinator (PRPC) will send an email request to non-cognizant HCOs to request a contracting representative nominee, and if GC or Technical support is requested, an email will also be sent to those respective offices, along with a copy of the signed peer review request memorandum. All peer review documentation shall be marked as “Source Selection Information – FAR Parts 2.101 and 3.104”.

The PLD contracting representative must be independent from the acquisition and contracting business process (DARS 1.9000), and outside the contracting office team conducting the procurement. Personnel directly involved in or with cognizant authority for the acquisition shall not be members of the peer review team.

(2) The contracting representative on peer review teams will serve as the Team Lead. This team member should have knowledge of requirements review, be able to clearly address and evaluate the quality of the requirements, be focused and committed to the peer review requirements, and provide a direct impact to the adequacy and completeness of the contracting documents, contracting issues, processes, and procedures. The contracting peer review team member shall be DAWIA Level III certified in Contracting, hold a current DISA warrant equal to or exceeding the estimated value of the procurement and be at the Team Lead or Section Chief level or higher. Once nominees are identified by PLD (and GC and Technical, where identified), a Peer Review “Request for Appointment of Contracting (Primary and Alternate) Peer Review Representative” (https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DITCOContractingTemplates/Default.asp) memorandum will be prepared by PL2, and staffed through the cognizant COCO/HCO chain of command for approval (no Form 9 or 320 is needed). PLD approval is at the PL2 level. The appointed contracting representative (and alternate contracting representative, if appointed) and contract specialist will receive courtesy copies of all PLD appointment documentation for the contract file.

(3) For continuity, all representatives appointed at the inception of the peer review process are expected to serve on the team at all peer review decision points for the acquisition, unless otherwise stated in the appointment letter or replaced by the appointing authority. Immediate notification shall be provided via email to the PL22 PRPC should an appointee not be able to fulfill the requirements of his or her appointment. A subsequent notification will be issued by PL22 via email to the cognizant COCO/HCOs for a nomination of a contracting replacement team member with comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. Upon nomination of the replacement member, a replacement memorandum will be prepared by the PL22 PRPC to the PL2 Chief, “Request for Replacement Appointment of Contracting Peer Review Representative” memorandum (https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DITCOContractingTemplates/Default.asp). If GC and/or Technical support is being provided on a specific acquisition and the appointed GC and/or Technical team member requires replacement, an email will be sent to the PL22 PRPC, along with a replacement appointee. Copies of all approved peer review documentation will be sent to the contracting replacement appointee, replaced contracting representative team member, contracting officer, contract specialist and respective COCO.

(S-94) Peer Review Training. After the contracting representative (to include any replacement member nominated during the peer review process) is appointed, peer review training for the specific acquisition will be prepared and conducted by the PL22 PRPC (if team members have not had peer review training prior to this assignment). Dates/times will be coordinated with the contracting officer, contracting representative, and any other team members requested, but shall occur prior to the first peer review decision point. The training will consist of a program overview, brief of peer review process, ethics and conduct of peer reviews discussion (prior to, during, and after peer reviews), overview of the signed acquisition strategy/plan, overview of required peer review documents, discussion on transmission of documentation for approval, and POC information for assistance during the peer review process. Due to possibility of receiving acquisition and contractor sensitive information, source selection and/or program information during the peer review training and peer review process; all participants will be requested to provide a copy of a completed and signed Blanket Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) form or validate (via email) that a DISA-level NDA is on file. The contracting officer will retain a copy of all NDAs in the contract file under the Peer Review tab.

(S-95) Peer Review Business Process.

(1) The peer review process begins with the initiation of the Peer Review Request memorandum from the cognizant COCO or HCO, and is the same for both internal and external customers/requirements. The cognizant COCO/contracting officer shall ensure all respective internal reviews/ approvals of required procurement planning/acquisition documentation are completed prior to requesting the start of a Peer Review (e.g., AS/AP, Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competitive (J&A) (if applicable), Market Research Report (MRR), RFI, DD2579, Source Selection Plan (SSP) or Technical/Management Evaluation Plan (T/MEP), etc).

(2) Independent Peer Reviews shall be conducted in conjunction with internal Legal (GC) and Policy Compliance (PL22) reviews identified in DARS 1.9000 (S-93), Approval Authority Review and Approval. In preparation of the peer review, the contracting officer/contract specialist shall provide soft copy read-aheads of all required acquisition documentation to each peer review team member at least 3-5 working days in advance of the scheduled peer review (or in conjunction with the peer review training for urgent efforts). Documents should be final or coordination- ready, and not in draft form. Documents shall be filed in the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) for shared access. If using DISA’s Source Selection Tool, contracting officer/contract specialist shall provide all generated reports to the team via the contracting representative. This will facilitate an efficient peer review, improve the quality of the Peer Review reports, and avoid adding unnecessary procurement administrative lead time. Some of the key acquisition and procurement documents, although not all inclusive, are listed below:

a. Competitive Pre-Award Reviews:

i. Solicitation – AS, AP, funding document, MRR, approved DD2579, Small Business Coordination Record, SSSP or T/MEP, Solicitation/Amendments (including final PWS/SOO/SOW, QASP, associated attachments).

ii. FPR – Proposals/revisions, evaluation documentation, Evaluation Notices (ENs), Price or Cost Analysis/Report, Consensus Reports (if using DISA Source Selection Tool).

iii. Award – Source Recommendation Document (SRD) (if using Fair Opportunity process), Price Negotiation Memorandum (PNM), Source Selection Decision Documents

(SSDD)/ Source Selection Advisory Council

(SSAC)/Source Selection Authority (SSA) briefings (if using formal source selection process), Contract.

b. Non-competitive Pre-Award Peer Reviews:

i. Prior to Negotiations – Pre-solicitation documentation, AS, AP, J&A, funding document, T/MEP, Solicitation (including final PWS/SOO/SOW, QASP, associated attachments), Pre-Negotiation Memorandum (PNM)/documentation.

ii. Award - SRD (if using Fair Opportunity process), PNM, SSDD/ SSAC)/SSA briefings (if using formal source selection process), Contract.

c. Post-Award Peer Reviews (for Acquisition of Services (AoS) only) – Contract/ modifications, task orders, QASP, fee/payment plans (if applicable), Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) documentation, contract performance and reporting documentation.

Note: For all Peer Reviews above, reviews also include a complete review of the solicitation/contract file by the contracting representative/team lead.

For additional detail/guidance on documentation, the Contracting Officer shall refer to DFARS PGI 201.170-4 Administration of Peer Reviews (Pages 3 and 4), and the DPAP Peer Review memorandum to determine the required documents for pre- and post-award peer reviews, http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/cpic/cp/peer_reviews.html (Pages 4 & 5).

(3) Peer Reviews shall be conducted using approved Checklists identified for each decision point (https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DITCOContractingTemplates/Default.asp ):

a. Checklist for Review Prior to Issuance of Solicitation (pre-solicitation).

b. Checklist for Review Prior to Issuance of Request for Final Proposal Revisions (FPR).

c. Checklist for Review Prior to Award (pre-award) .

d. Checklist for Review Post Award Review of Service Contracts – Option Years (OYs) and Mid-Point Base Year (BY).

(4) Peer Review Findings. The peer review team members are provided tentative peer review dates by the PL22 PRPC via email for advanced planning. The peer review team members, unless under urgent situations identified by the HCA, will be given five (5) business days notice or more prior to commencing peer review. The contracting peer review representative has three (3) business days to complete their individual and/or group peer review discussions. The PLD contracting representative/team lead shall submit the team’s findings and send via email to the contracting officer, copy the PRPC. All peer review documentation shall be marked as “Source Selection Information – FAR Parts 2.101 and 3.104”.

(S-96) Peer Review findings shall the following areas at a minimum:

(1) The checklists must be completed and any area that is assessed to be deficient or not applicable will require a written supporting rationale.

(2) Critical deficiencies which violate policy, regulation, or statute.

(3)Recommendations for improvements that if enacted would improve management and oversight of the contract, improve efficiency or reduce cost, or yield other benefits for the instant or similar future requirements.

(4) Best practices which if enacted across DISA contracts would improve the execution, management, or oversight of contracts; improve efficiency or reduce cost, or yield other benefits.

(5) Lessons learned regarding the peer review process, which when shared across DISA contracts, would improve the efficiency of the review process.

(S-97) Distribution of Peer Review Findings. Peer Review Reports shall be distributed to the following parties:

(1) Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist - For disposition and inclusion in the contract file.

Contracting officers shall ensure that the Peer Review Report(s) and disposition of all peer review recommendations are documented in a memorandum executed by the contacting officer, in the contract file prior to proceeding to the next phase of the procurement.

(2) Cognizant Head of the Contracting Office (HCO)

(3) Chief of Contracting Office (COCO)

(4) Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA)

(5) PRPC, to compile findings and recommendations from Peer Review Reports, analyze trends, and make recommendations on repetitive deficiencies or recommendations/observations to improve the quality of future requirements documents and acquisitions.

(6) Legal Representative (when legal support is requested)

(7) Technical Representative (when technical support is requested)

(S-98) Waivers.

(1) If critical mission performance circumstances necessitate the request of a waiver from the entire acquisition or one or more of the peer review decision points, a “Request for Peer Review Waiver” (https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DITCOContractingTemplates/Default.asp) memorandum shall be prepared by the cognizant Contracting Officer, coordinated thru the COCO and HCO, with copies to PL2 Chief, the PL22 PRPC, contracting officer and contract specialist. Waivers shall be in the same format as the Request for Peer Review, with subject line modified to read, “Request for Waiver of Peer Review for (name of program/project/service)”, and shall include a brief explanation as to why a waiver is necessary. Waiver requests shall be approved prior to proceeding with a procurement action without a peer review, and may only be requested to the PLD HCA for competitive procurements valued under $1 billion and sole source procurements valued under $500 million. For actions over those dollar thresholds, waivers must be approved by the PLD HCA, and forwarded to OSD/DPAP for approval.

SUBPART 1.2 — ADMINISTRATION

1.201 Maintenance of the DARS.

All revisions to the DARS will be implemented by a DISA Acquisition Circular (DISA AC) and numbered consecutively beginning with the fiscal year of the latest edition of the DARS and number “01” (e.g., DISA AC 09-01).

1.201-1 The two councils.

(S-90) Submit proposed revisions to the FAR, DFARS, and DARS to DISA PL2 via the “DISA Ft Meade PLD Mailbox PL21 Policy Branch” Outlook mailbox. The format for providing proposed revisions is located at Appendix C.

(S-91) Submit notification of errors in the DARS such as misspelled words, omitted words, or lines, or errors in format to PL21 via email to the DISA “DISA Ft Meade PLD Mailbox PL21

Policy Branch” Outlook mailbox. The notice may be informal in format but must identify the

DARS page, citation, and nature of error.

SUBPART 1.3 — AGENCY ACQUISITION REGULATIONS

201.301 Policy.

The DISA Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DARS) will be numbered in accordance with the method prescribed in DFARS Subpart 201.3-Agency Acquisition Regulations (Revised November 1, 2004).

201.303 Publication and codification.

(a)(i) In accordance with FAR 1.301 and DFARS 201.304, the DARS is not required to be codified in Title 48, Code of Federal Regulations nor approved by USD (AT&L) DPAP. Any revisions to the DARS that would require codification shall comply with aforementioned FAR and DFARS cites.

(ii) To the extent practical all DARS text (whether implemental or supplemental) will be numbered as if it were implemented in accordance with DFARS Subpart 201.303-Publication and Codification. Supplemental numbering will only be used when the text cannot be integrated intelligibly with its FAR or DFARS counterpart. DARS supplements must parallel the FAR and DFARS, with the exception that supplemental sections are numbered using 90 or (S-90). Parts, subparts, sections, or subsections are supplemented by the addition of a number of 90 and up. Lower divisions are supplemented by the addition of a number of (S-90) and up. DARS provisions or clauses use a four digit sequential number in the 9000 series, e.g., -9000, -9001, -

9002.

(iii) The table shown in DFARS Subpart 201.303(D), DFARS Numbering provides an example of the numbering system. Sample Table with DARS Numbering below

FAR	DFARS Implements FAR As	DFARS Supplements FAR As	DARS Supplements DFARS As
19	219	219.70	219.70
19.5	219.5	219.570	219.570
19.501	219.501	219.501-70	219.501-90
19.501-1	219.501-1	219.501-1-70	219.501-1-90
19.501-1(a)	219.501-1(a)	219.501-1(a)(S-70)	219.501-19(a)(S-90)
19.501-1(a)(1)	219.501-1(a)(1)	219.501-1(a)(1)(S-70)	219.501-1(a)(1)(S-90)

(S-90) Subparts will be enumerated using the numbering convention used by the FAR. Sections under subparts will be enumerated using FAR or DFAR numbering conventions, depending on whether the FAR or DFAR is being implemented or supplemented.

201.304 Agency control and compliance procedures.

(S-90) DISA PL2 shall review all DISA acquisition-related procedures (both mandatory/non- mandatory) that impact the Agency prior to implementation.

(S-91) These procedures are generally implemented as DISA Acquisition Templates, Samples, Guides, and Deskbooks and referenced in the appropriate part in the DARS. Appendix A contains a listing of all current deskbooks. DISA PL2 facilitates implementation of all DISA Acquisition Documents.

(S-92) All DISA procurment deskbooks are available electronically at http://www.ditco.disa.mil/hq/aqinfo.asp.

SUBPART 1.4 -- DEVIATIONS FROM THE FAR

201.402 Policy.

(1) The HCA is the approval authority for individual deviations from FAR, DFARS, or DARS except those listed in DFARS 201.402(1)(i-vi). If the deviation is for a classified program, the Senior Procurement Executive is the approval authority for individual deviations.

(2)(i) Except as provided in DFARS 201.402(2)(ii), individual deviations, other than those in DFARS 201.402(1)(i-vi), must be approved in accordance with the approved DISA Plan for Control of Clauses (Appendix B).

(iii) For deviations that require USD (AT&L)DPAP approval (DFARS 201.402(1)), use the format in DFARS 201.402(2). Submit requests for deviation approval through DISA PL2.

(S-90) Requests for deviations that have a significant effect beyond the internal operating procedures of the agency or have a significant cost or administrative impact on contractors or offerors must be published for public comment in the Federal Register.

(1) Allow sufficient time for the 60-day public comment period, resolution of public comments, review of public comments by the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council and approval by USD (AT&L) DPAP.

(2) The originator of the deviation is responsible for preparing the support package and proposed deviation language.

(3) The originator of the deviation shall prepare the documentation to support any required analysis.

(S-91) Appendix B contains the approved DISA Clause Control Plan and shall be followed for approval of clauses other than those prescribed in the FAR and DFARS.

SUBPART 1.5 — AGENCY AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

1.501-2 Opportunity for public comments.

(S-90) DISA comments on proposed or interim rules published for public comment in the

Federal Register shall be submitted through DISA PL2.

SUBPART 1.6 — CAREER DEVELOPMENT, CONTRACTING AUTHORITY, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

201.602-2 Responsibilities.

(S-90) Policy

(1) Before designation and subsequently as required, the Contracting Officer must review nominations and all certifications of completed training. No individual should assume or commence COR functional responsibilities in support of any DISA or non-DISA contract unless they have completed the required training, provided the required certifications, and received and acknowledged in writing their COR designation letter from the DISA Contracting Officer.

The Contracting Officer shall designate a COR in writing upon review of the nominee’s completeness and acceptance of all required initial and refresher training and certification requirements. The authority to designate CORs shall not be further delegated.

(2) All prospective DISA and non-DISA CORs shall be identified in writing along with their appropriate training, qualifications, experience and other considerations through Contracting Officer’s Representative Tracking (CORT) Tool. All CORs shall possess the training and technical skills required to monitor and administer the specific, assigned duties.

Supervisors of personnel nominated or designated as CORs shall ensure, as part of their annual performance plan review and IDP preparation and approval, that all initial and annual refresher training, mandatory, optional, alternative, and supplemental, requirements are discussed with the COR and the appropriate DISA Contracting Officer. CORs shall be registered in the CORT Tool in conjunction with development of their IDPs.

(3) At the time of award, the Contracting Officer shall use the DISA COR Designation Letter located at: https://www.ditco.disa.mil/hq/deskbooks.asp or in the CORT Tool located at: https://wawf.eb.mil.

(4) Contracting Officer responsibilities:

(i) Contracting Officer Surveillance of COR and Annual Inspection of COR file -

The contracting officer shall maintain adequate surveillance of COR activities to ensure that the COR is complying with his/her responsibilities. The surveillance shall include an annual inspection the COR file. The results of the inspection shall be shared with the COR indicating

any corrective action needed as necessary. The Contracting Officer shall upload a completed copy of the inspection checklist to the CORT Tool. The inspection checklist can be found in Appendix E of the DISA COR Handbook located at: https://www.ditco.disa.mil/hq/cor/index.asp and within the local forms section of the CORT Tool.

Negative surveillance results shall be documented in the contract file and a copy sent to the COR’s supervisor. If the contracting officer determines that a COR is not performing in a satisfactory manner regarding contract administration, contract management or task order management, the contracting officer may remove the COR, revoke their designation in writing, and request that the requirements office nominate a suitable replacement COR.

(ii) Monthly Status Reports -

The Contracting Officer shall accept or reject the monthly status reports submitted by the COR.

(iii) EDMS Tab 52 shall contain the following documents: screen shot of completed CORT Tool

Nomination Process, and the CORT Tool Designation Letter.

(iv) The title Task Monitor (TM) is no longer valid because the title conflicts with policies and instructions within DFARS 201.602 and PGI 201.602-2. Therefore, the new task order technical monitor will be called Task or Site COR.

NOTE: Task Monitor Designations issued prior to October 1, 2011 will remain in effect until the task order expires or until the Task Monitor is terminated. No new Task Monitor Designations will be issued after October 1, 2011.

(v) A Technical Representative (TR) is distinctly different from a COR. A TR is not authorized to perform contract administration functions and is generally located at a contractor’s facility to provide program technical oversight. The acquisition manager (see DARS Part 7 for definition) appoints the TR. See DFARS 242.74 for TR procedures.

1.602-3 Ratification of unauthorized commitments.

(a) Definitions.

“Ratifying Official,” as used herein means the individual who has the authority to enter into a contractual commitment on behalf of the Agency, or the Contracting Officer.

“Ratification Approving Official,” as used here means the Senior Procurement Executive, (SPE)

or the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA), as specified in (b) (2) below.

(b)(2) The ratification approving official for all DISA unauthorized commitments and non-DISA unauthorized commitments valued at or above $1M is the SPE. The ratification approving official for all Non-DISA unauthorized commitments valued below $1M is the HCA. Coordination of the ratification request and DISA Form 9 (as shown in DARS Subpart 1.9003) shall flow from the individual that made the unauthorized commitment as follows: 1) Cognizant Contracting Officer to prepare the Determination and Findings, 2) DITCO COCO, 3) General Counsel for a legal opinion, and 4)

DITCO HCO, prior to submitting to PL22 for review and processing. PL22 will log the request, assign a tracking number, review the complete package and coordinate for HCA/SPE approval.

(S-90) The individual that made the unauthorized commitment prepares the ratification request package using the standardized “Request for Approval of Unauthorized Commitment” format, includes the documents specified in the “Ratification Form of Required Documentation” and prepares a DISA Form 9 in accordance with the DISA Form 9 Instructions. The ratification request package and DISA Form 9 shall be submitted to PL22 for tracking. If the unauthorized commitment was made by a non-DISA employee, then the Form 9 will be prepared by the contract specialist or contracting officer.

The Ratification Form of Required Documentation, Request for Approval of Unauthorized Commitment, and DISA Form 9 Instructions are located at https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DitcoContractingTemplates/doku.php?id=ratification_templates .

(S-91) Ratification packages shall be submitted within 15 business days after initial notification to the contracting officer of the unauthorized commitment. The contracting officer shall complete the processing of the ratification determination and findings within 14 business days after the receipt of an accurate and complete package in accordance with the “Ratification Form of Required Documents” referenced above.

(S-92) The ratification approving official reviews the ratification request package and approves or disapproves the ratification request. Final approval of the ratification action resides with the appropriate ratification-approving official.

(S-93) After submission of a ratification request, the individual that made the unauthorized commitment and an appropriate management official from the individual’s organization may be required to brief the ratification approving official on the circumstances and corrective actions taken to prevent recurrence of unauthorized commitments. The ratification approval official will determine if a briefing is required and the method of the briefing via in person, by telephone, or by video-teleconference (VTC).

(S-94) The Quality Assurance and Compliance Branch, PL22 will maintain a database of all unauthorized commitments and ratification requests. The database, at a minimum, shall include the following information:

(1) Ratification Control Number– A unique control number assigned for each ratification request package. The first two numbers correspond to the last two numbers of the fiscal year in which the ratification request is received, followed by a dash and two numbers corresponding to the sequence in which the ratification request is received (i.e., 10-01, 10-02, 10-03, etc.). Ratification control numbers will be assigned upon receipt of a complete ratification package.

(2) Contract Number and/or Order Number– The pertinent contract/order number against which the individual made an unauthorized commitment. If no contract existed at the time that an unauthorized commitment was made, so indicate. If the ratification request was approved and implemented, indicate the resulting, applicable contract number, with appropriate notation to that effect.

(3) Contracting officer/Organization Code/Phone – Enter the appropriate name, organization code, and telephone number of the contracting officer for the pertinent contract involved. If no contract exists, the information should be that of the contracting officer involved in the ratification action.

(4) Date Received – This is the date on which the ratification request package was received.

(5) Customer DISA or Non-DISA – This is self-explanatory. Indicate whether the customer is

from DISA or a non-DISA source.

(6) Contractor – Identify the pertinent contractor’s name and location (city and state).

(7) Organization/Office Code/Phone Number – This information identifies the organization to which the individual that made the unauthorized commitment belongs, as well as the office code and phone number.

(8) Date of Unauthorized Commitment – The actual date on which the unauthorized commitment was made.

(9) Dollar Value – The dollar value of the unauthorized commitment.

(10) Date of Ratification – The date on which the pertinent contract was ratified or the date on which the approved ratification request was implemented.

(11) Description of the Unauthorized Commitment and Ratification Requirement – Self- explanatory.

(12) Reason(s) for Ratification – A simple statement is all that is needed. This is a statement of why the unauthorized commitment was made. For example, expired contract; failure of the requirements office to communicate with the business management office and the contracting officer prior to making arrangements with the contractor to start work or provide a product/service.”

(13) If Not Ratified, Why Not? – Self-explanatory. If the ratification request was not approved, explain why it was not approved. If the ratification request was approved, leave this field blank.

(14) Type of Preventive Action Taken – Describe the actions taken regarding the individual that made the unauthorized commitment to guard against or prevent recurring unauthorized commitments. For example, indicate what action was taken to prevent this situation from occurring in the future (e.g. directed to attend purchase card training and re-certification as a Government Purchase Card holder, received a written letter of reprimand from immediate supervisor, was placed on leave without pay for a five-day period by the head of their organization. Include the organizational title of who directed the action to be taken.

(15) Referral to Investigative Authorities (Yes/No) – Self-explanatory.

(16) Previous Occurrences (Yes/No) – To the knowledge of the contracting officer, has there been any previous occurrence of an unauthorized commitment by this individual or organization?

(17) Ratification Approval Level (HCA or SPE)/Phone Number/Approval Date/Ratifying Official/Phone – Identify the appropriate approval level for the submitted ratification request; the applicable telephone number, and the date on which the ratification was approved.

(18) Contracting Officer /Phone Number – Identify the contracting officer responsible for implementing the ratification action on contract, and the contracting officer’s telephone number.

1.603 Selection, appointment, and termination of appointment for contracting officers.

1.603-1 General.

(a) Authority for selection, appointment and termination of appointment for contracting officers is delegated to the DISA Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA), see FAR 1.603-1.

(S-90) The process for contracting officer appointments is described in Table 1-1:

Table 1-1 Contracting Officer Appointments and Requirements

Type of Appointment	Amount	Training Qualifications	Testing Requirements	SF 1402 Statement
Communications Management & Control Activity (CMCA)	$25K	CON 237	None	Contract authority is limited to $25,000 for any contract action for information technology services and equipment in support of the US Secret Service, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Office of Special Events. No authority for termination is included.
FTS2001/ Networx	$150K	DAWIA Level I - Purchasing or Contracting	None	Contract authority is limited to$150,000 for placing orders for pre-priced items under the FTS2001 and Networx contracts. No authority for termination is included.
White House Communications Agency (WHCA)	Varies up to $5M	DAWIA Level II Contracting	Passing of 30 question “Contracting Officer Appointment Test”	Contract authority is limited to $xxx,xxx for any contract action; except, contract authority is $xxx,xxx for orders issued against existing Government contracts or contracts established under FAR Part 8 procedures. No authority to contract for telecommunications services that are usage based, including monthly recurring charges, or are subject to regulatory tariffs is included. Termination authority is limited to the amount of contract authority.
Limited	$150K, $1M, $5M, $10M, $50M,	DAWIA Level II - Contracting	Passing of 30 question “Contracting Officer Appointment Test”	Contract authority is limited to $xxx,xxx for any contract action. Termination authority is limited to the amount of contract authority.
Limited	$100M, $250M or $500M	DAWIA Level II - Contracting	Passing of 50 question “Contracting Officer Appointment Test” and Oral Presentation “Delivery of a Procurement Topic to HCA”	Contract authority is limited to $xxx,xxx for any contract action. Termination authority is limited to the amount of contract authority.
Unlimited	Unlimited	DAWIA Level III - Contracting	Passing a “Contracting Officer Appointment Review Board” and have already passed a “Contracting Officer Appointment Test” (either 30, 40 or 50 questions; on the rare occasion where the applicant has never taken this test, passing of a 50 question test will be required).	No limitations.
Tariff Changes	Limited	DAWIA Level III - Contracting	No Test requirement	Authority is limited to authorizing automatic contract file conversions to revise tariff rates. Termination authority is limited to the amount of contract authority.

(S-91) Waivers. The HCA may waive the test and/or review board requirements for a candidate after reviewing the candidate’s “DISA Application for Appointment as a Contracting Officer” and discussing with the Head of the Contracting Office (HCO). Typically, waivers are granted if the candidate passed on a contracting officer warrant test at a previous DoD agency.

(S-92) Type of Assessments. The types of assessments are described in Table 1-2 and below. It is the responsibility of a candidate’s immediate supervisor and HCO to prepare a candidate for each of the three types of test requirements.

Table 1-2 Contracting Officer Assessment Requirements

Type of Assessment	Required For:
1. Contracting Officer Appointment Test	Almost all warrants, see Table 1-1 for number of questions and exceptions
2. Oral Presentation/Delivery of a Procurement Topic to HCA/Team	Limited warrants for $100M, $250M or $500M
3. Contracting Officer Appointment Review Board	Unlimited warrants

(S-93) Nomination packages. The COCO shall submit requests for contracting officer appointments to the Contract Warrant Mailbox. Requests shall be submitted with the “DISA Application for Appointment as a Contracting Officer” form (see 1.603-2(S-91)). The candidate shall prepare the application and staff the application through their management and obtain endorsement by the COCO.

1.603-2 Selection.

(S-90) Types of appointments and minimum qualifications.

(1) Contracting employees may be appointed as contracting officers provided they possess the qualifications and their position requires the warrant authority. The only supplement to this requirement is DISA Communications Management and Control Activity (CMCA) personnel who seek appointments based on the most current version of the DISA CMCA OPLAN.

(2) The types of contracting officer appointments and training requirements for appointment are described in Table 1-1. Education qualifications for appointment above the simplified acquisition threshold are set in DFARS 201.603-2 at http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/html/current/201_6.htm.

(S-91) Application for appointment as a contracting officer.

(1) The “DISA Application for Appointment as a Contracting Officer” must document the education, experience, and training qualifications. The application is located at https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DitcoContractingTemplates/doku.php?id=disa_contracting_of ficer_appointment_information. The application must be signed and in Microsoft Word format (not PDF).

(2) Applicants must pass a “Contracting Officer Appointment Test” prior to submitting an application to their management. Applicants can schedule a “Contracting Officer Appointment Test” by contacting the Contract Warrant Mailbox.

(S-92) Application review.

(1) All warrants: Upon submission of the nomination package by the COCO to PL22, PL22 will review the package for completeness and justification.

(2) Limited $100M, $250M or $500M: PL22 will request the HCA schedule the oral presentation, “Delivery of a Procurement Topic to HCA/Team”.

(3) Unlimited Appointments: PL22 will request the HCA to proceed and schedule a “Contracting Officer Appointment Review Board”.

1.603-3 Appointment.

(S-90) Unlimited appointments and the “Contracting Officer Appointment Review Board”.

A candidate seeking an unlimited contracting officer appointment must have already passed a “Contracting Officer Appointment Test” (see 1.603-3(S-91)) prior to a “Contracting Officer Appointment Review Board”. For example, if the unlimited candidate already passed a 50 question “Contracting Officer Appointment Test” the previous year for a $200M limited warrant, the candidate does not have to repass a “Contracting Officer Appointment Test”. If the candidate already passed a DoD contracting officer appointment test, the HCA may waive a DISA-administered “Contracting Officer Appointment Test”.

(1) A ”Contracting Officer Appointment Review Board” study guide, that includes sample scenario- based questions, is available at: https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DitcoContractingTemplates/doku.php?id=disa_contracting_officer_a ppointment_information .

(2) A “Contracting Officer Appointment Review Board” shall be convened to determine if the candidate is sufficiently prepared for an unlimited appointment. The review board will be chaired by either the PLD Director or the PLD Vice Director and may also include:

(i) HCO(s)

(ii) COCO(s)

(iii) General Counsel representative

(iv) Chief, Policy, Quality Assurance and Procedures Division (PL2)

(v) CFE representative

(vi) PLD Technical Director

Additional board members (senior cost/price analyst, senior contracting officers, program managers) may also be included at the discretion of the review board chairperson.

(3) The “Contracting Officer Appointment Review Board” should be conducted face-to-face at the discretion of the review board chairperson. The maximum amount of time for each candidate is two hours.

(4) The “Contracting Officer Appointment Review Board” process includes:

(i) The review board chair will present the candidate with up to six written scenario-based questions, with some from these acquisition topics:

(A) Pre-award

(B) Source Selection

(D) Contract Administration (including terminations)

(ii) The candidate will be provided the scenario questions and fifteen minutes to assemble his/her thoughts. The Board administrator will pre-arrange for an uninterruptable setting for this fifteen minute period. Only pen and paper will be provided, (no open book, no computer access, no notes, etc.).

(iii) The candidate will orally discuss and answer the scenario questions. The candidate is expected to demonstrate her/his acquisition knowledge by articulating logic and facts. The candidate shall provide supporting information from the FAR, DFARS, DARS and other acquisition policies, procedures and regulations.

(iv) The Board members will vote, without the candidate present, to determine if the candidate is sufficiently prepared to be issued an unlimited warrant. The final decision will be determined by the board chairperson.

(v) If the review board concludes the candidate is qualified, an unlimited warrant will be immediately presented.

(vi) If the review board concludes the candidate is not sufficiently prepared for an unlimited warrant, the chairperson will provide the candidate and their HCO with constructive feedback. This feedback will facilitate the candidate in preparing to re-interview at a later date.

(S-91) Limited appointments and the “Contracting Officer Appointment Test”.

(1) Candidates for limited contracting officer appointments shall be required to pass the “Contracting Officer Appointment Test”. This is a time limited, proctored examination to assess contracting knowledge and researching ability. Only CMCA and FTS2001/Networx Contracting Officer and Tariff Changes Contracting officer appointments are exempt from the testing requirement. A contracting officer with a limited appointment who has already passed the DISA “Contracting Officer Appointment Test” requirement does not have to retest to qualify for an increased limited appointment. For example, if a $500M candidate already passed a 50 question “Contracting Officer Appointment Test” the previous year for a $200M limited warrant, the candidate does not have to repass another 50 question test. Inversely, if the $500M candidate only passed a 30 question test the previous year for a $50M warrant, the candidate will now have to pass a 50 question test.

(2) If the candidate already passed a DoD contracting officer appointment test, the HCA may waive a DISA-administered “Contracting Officer Appointment Test”.

(3) The “Contracting Officer Appointment Test” is open-book/open-computer with access to the FAR, DFARS and DARS, but assistance by another individual is not permitted. The candidate may use formally published contracting materials. The candidate shall be given three hours for a 30 question test and five hours for a 50 question test (see Table 1-1). Candidates are encouraged to take breaks and the test administrator will “stop the clock” during breaks. A candidate must score an 85% or better to pass the test. A passing score does not guarantee a contracting officer appointment.

(4) Each test shall be comprised of multiple-choice questions pertaining to the FAR, DFARS, and DARS.

(5) On a case-by-case basis, the HCA may allow accommodations for special needs employees to include relaxation of the time limit to complete the test, or accommodations for employees with visual or mobility issues, or those requiring voice-assisted software, etc.

(6) Scoring is calculated by:

(i) If the candidate correctly answers both the multiple choice and the reference the candidate shall be granted two points.

(ii) If the candidate answers the multiple choice question correctly, but answers the reference incorrectly, the candidate shall be granted one point.

(iii) If the candidate answers the question incorrectly, but answers the reference correctly, the candidate shall not be granted any points. In this scenario, an incorrect multiple choice answer with a correct reference demonstrates the candidate did not understand the regulation and shall not be granted any points. The following illustrates the scoring methodology:

References shall be provided to the lowest possible level as illustrated below. Subdivisions below the paragraph level (e.g. FAR 15.403-1(c)(1)(i)(A) ) are acceptable, but are not required.

(7) PL22 shall be responsible for maintenance of test questions, and will add, delete or modify questions and references as dictated by publication of new policy.

(8) Each COCO shall appoint a test administrator to schedule and proctor the “Contracting Officer Appointment Test”. The “Contracting Officer Appointment Test” shall remain in the possession of the test administrator who is accountable and responsible for ensuring the test remains secure, so as not to invalidate the contracting officer appointment testing program. Candidates, test administrators, COCOS and HCOs are prohibited from duplicating or discussing the questions.

(9) The test administrator is responsible for scoring and validating test results and identifying to PL22 when test question maintenance is required. The candidate may dispute the accuracy of the test questions or reference to the test administrator. If the test question or reference was in error, the test administrator shall manually adjust the test score.

(10) If the candidate fails to pass, the candidate may retake a test immediately. Candidates who do not pass after two attempts may retest after 60 calendar days. The HCA may waive the retesting time.

(11) Upon passing of the test, PL22 will request the HCA approve the contracting officer appointment request and sign the SF 1402.

(S-92) Limited appointments and the Oral Presentation/”Delivery of a Procurement Topic to HCA/Team”.

(1) Candidates for limited contracting officer appointments for $100M, $250M or $500M shall deliver a presentation to a team led by the HCA or Vice Director (if delegated). Generally, the team will consist of the personnel identified at 1.603-3(S-90(2).

(2) The candidate shall select a procurement topic. The candidate shall obtain written approval of the topic from PL2 by emailing the topic and short summary to the Contract Warrant Mailbox. The candidate shall address current issues related to the topic to include case law, GAO findings, recent information, and opinions. Note: the candidate shall not deliver a presentation of information already addressed in the FAR/DFARS. The presentation shall be for ten-to-fifteen minutes plus a five minute question and answer session. The COCO is responsible for preparing the candidate; a “dry run” of the delivery is encouraged.

(3) The HCA will make the determination if the candidate is sufficiently prepared to be issued the increased warrant.

(S-93) Changed appointments.

A changed appointment is an appointment revised to reflect new information on the SF 1402. Such changes may be accomplished at any time. A change to an appointment may either be fundamental or administrative in nature. A "fundamental" change is a change to the scope of the contracting officer's responsibility and authority and will require a change to the limitations on the SF 1402. Any other change shall normally be viewed as an "administrative" change. An example of an administrative change is the candidate’s last name changed and a new SF 1402 is issued without changing the authority of the appointment.

(1) A fundamental change to an appointment shall be viewed and processed as a new appointment concurrent with termination of the existing appointment. Documentation for a new appointment is required to support a fundamental change to an existing appointment.

(2) All administrative changes to an SF 1402 will require termination of the existing appointment and approval and issuance of a new SF 1402 by the HCA.

(S-94) Presentation of certificates of appointment.

The HCA approves all appointments, terminations, and reissuances by signing the contracting officer appointment certificate. The HCA will meet with each newly appointed contracting officer. This meeting will emphasize the duties inherent with a contracting officer appointment, including fiduciary and ethical responsibilities. The HCA will provide the new contracting officer instructions regarding the limits of their authority.

(S-95) Administration of appointments.

(1) Each SF 1402 will be sequentially numbered by fiscal year. PL22 will maintain the master contracting officer records (Applications for Appointment as a Contracting Officer, test results, contracting officer appointment board review results and copies of SF 1402s).

(2) PL22 will maintain an electronic contracting officer database on the DITCO Intranet web site at https://intranet.ditco.disa.mil/kowarrants/. PL22 will perform an annual review of all contracting warrants; this review will require COCOs to justify the warrant amount for each warrant. PL22 will provide the HCA a summary of the review and recommended changes.

(3) Each quarter, PL22 will facilitate warrant meetings with the HCA, HCOs, and COCOs. COCOs shall assess personnel and organizational workload changes from the previous quarter, review the impact on warrants, and provide explanations at the meetings. All contracting officers that were re-assigned to a new position in the previous quarter shall be reviewed to determine if the warranty authority reconciles to the position, and if not, decrease or increase the warrant authority accordingly. PL22 will provide the HCA a summary of the review and recommended changes.

(4) Supervisors are responsible for notifying PL22 when a contracting officer no longer requires a contracting officer appointment to perform her/his duties. If a contracting officer departs from PLD, the COCO is responsible for ensuring the original 1402 warrant is returned to PL22.

(5) Contracting officers must ensure the original SF 1402 is prominently displayed in the immediate work area. The SF 1402 will be made available to company/contractor representatives for viewing upon request.

1.604 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

(S-90) Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) is an authorized representative of the DISA Contracting Officer who assists with the technical monitoring and/or administration of a contract. The COR is the technical/administrative liaison between the contractor and the Contracting Officer.

(1) COR is the only approved functional title for individuals performing the designated duties and responsibilities under this subpart in support of DISA contract management. Regardless of previous titles used, if an individual is performing the functions of a COR in support of a DISA or non-DISA contract, their appropriate functional title is DISA COR (primary or alternate). Contracting Officers shall only use the title COR in their designation letters.

(2) DISA Requirements Office shall use the DoD CORT Tool to initiate the Contracting Officer

Representative (COR) nomination.

(3) All COR questions, issues, and concerns should be sent to the COR email address DISA Ft

Meade DITCO Mailbox CORTM.

(S-91) CORT Tool and DISA and DoD Handbook

(1) All candidates and active CORs shall refer to the approved Department of Defense (DoD) Contracting Officer Representative Tracking Tool (CORT Tool) available at https://wawf.eb.mil.

(2) DISA COR Handbook is located at https://www.ditco.disa.mil/hq/deskbooks.asp or https://wawf.eb.mil.

(3) DoD COR Handbook is currently located at https://wawf.eb.mil.

SUBPART 1.90 — PROCUREMENT OVERSIGHT

1.9000 Review and Approval of Contract Actions.

(a) Definitions.

Approval to definitize an undefinitized contract action (UCA) or an unpriced change order (UCO). The Approval Authority for all UCAs and UCOs is the HCA. An action that creates a UCA or an UCO (Note: The Contracting Officer is required to seek HCA approval before entering into a UCA IAW DFARS 217.7404-1 and before final definitization of a UCA (IAW DARS 217.7405(S-91)) or UCO (IAW DARS 243.204-70-7(S-91));

Approval Authority (AA) means the individuals delegated the authority to review and approve contract actions and contract approvals (reference 1.9000(c)(2)).

“Begin negotiations” means, for the purpose of non-competitive contract actions, starting discussions with an offeror for the purpose of reaching agreement on all aspects of the proposal. Initiation of audits and fact-finding necessary to evaluate the proposal and develop the Government’s negotiation objective do not constitute negotiations

“Contract Approval” means: For competitive acquisitions conducted with or without discussions, approval by the Approval Authority to authorize the contracting officer to award a contract or order. For non-competitive contract actions approval by the Approval Authority is required to award a contract, order or contract modification.

(b) Exclusions.

(1) An extension modification or contract award as a result of a protest.

(2) An order issued against an existing contract, BOA or BPA if:

(i) the prices have been established in the basic indefinite delivery contract, BOA or BPA;

(ii) all other terms and conditions have been established in the basic indefinite delivery contract, BOA or BPA;

(iii) the basic contract, BOA or BPA was reviewed and considered legally sufficient by the supporting legal office; and, (D) there are no negotiations (i.e., no proposal, formal or informal, is necessary for the order to be issued) involved in the award of the proposed order under the indefinite delivery contract, BOA or BPA.

(3) Inquiries issued in accordance with the Inquiry/Quote/Order (IQO) Acquisition Deskbook. However, Orders issued in accordance with the IQO process are not excluded from the contract review and approval;

(4) Contract actions that solely provide incremental funding, incentive fee funding, award fee funding or other administrative contract modifications.

(5) Priced options that were previously established in the basic contract/order and that are exercised in accordance with the established prices and terms and conditions of the contract/order.

Procurement actions are subject to various review levels and thresholds as set forth below.

Head of Contracting Office Directors (HCOs) and Chiefs of Contracting Office (CoCOs) are accountable for procurement quality and are strongly encouraged to establish internal review systems to ensure quality standards are maintained for all procurement actions within their offices, including simplified acquisitions.

(1) The objectives of the review and approval process are to ensure that:

(i) Contract actions effectively implement approved acquisition strategies;

(ii) Negotiations and contract actions result in fair and reasonable business arrangements;

(iii) Negotiations and contract actions are consistent with laws, regulations, and policies; and, (iv) An independent review and assessment for the proposed contract action is accomplished.

(2) Contract actions meeting the contract value thresholds set below shall not be awarded without obtaining the required review approvals and contract approvals. The Approval Authority for all UCAs and UCOs is the HCA. Competitive acquisitions and non-competitive contract actions processed in accordance with FAR Subpart 8.4, Part 12, Part 13, and Subpart 16.5:

Table 1-2 Review & Approval Authority (AA)

Contract Action Value**	Review & Approval Authority
<$50M	Contracting Officer
≥$50M - $100M	Chief of Contracting Office (CoCO)
≥$100M - <$250M	Head of Contracting Office (HCO)
≥$250M and Special Interest Actions	Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA)

** Note: Contract value is determined by applying the sum of the value of the basic portion of the instant acquisition, plus any options, and the value of any contingencies, such as ceiling, award fees/terms, and performance incentives.

(3) SPE Approval Authority (AA) Delegation. For procurements of $10M or more, the Senior Procurement Executive (SPE), acting as “Agency Head” under FAR and DFARS, may appoint the Approval Authority. Generally, the AA appointment will follow the thresholds shown in Table 1-2, unless the SPE or HCA (as delegated) determines otherwise. When the SPE retains authority to appoint AA, an appointment memorandum will be signed delegating AA authority. The appointment memorandum, briefing slides and procedure can be found at https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DITCOContractingTemplates/?id=contracting_templates.

See DARS 15.303 for Source Selection for Source Selection Authority Thresholds

(d) Approval Authority Review and Approval

(1) For all competitive and non-competitive acquisitions with a value of $50 million and above, the contracting officer shall submit a “Request for Review and Approval” form, located at https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DitcoContractingTemplates/doku.php?id=clearance_templates, the documents identified in Table 1-3 below, and the Peer Review report, if applicable, via email through their chain-of-command, to the AA. Up to $50 million, the contracting officer will serve as the AA, in accordance with Table 1-2, unless someone other than the contract officer is designated as the AA. If the HCA or the SPE are the AA, the HCO shall forward the package.

The approval package shall consist of the following:

(i) Request for Review and Approval;

(ii) Peer review report;

(iii) Policy compliance (PL22) and Legal (GC) reviews in accordance with 1.9000(e)

(iv) Contracting officer disposition of any chain-of-command comments and PL22 and GC review comments;

(v) Documents identified in Table 1-3 below.

(2) Approval. If the AA is satisfied that the contract action/file meets the objectives of 1.9000 (c), then the AA will sign and date Part B of the “Request for Review and Approval”

form. Any conditions that the AA places on approval shall be specified on the “Request for Review and Approval” form. The “Request for Review and Approval” form shall be retained in the official contract file.

(3) Review and Approval Request -- Resubmission for Approval. Changes in acquisition strategy and/or terms and conditions may require the contract action to be resubmitted for approval. The following are examples of situations that require resubmission for approval:

(i) Exceeding approved negotiation parameters

(ii) Changing contract type

(iii) Changing contract share ratio

(iv) Major change in quantity

(v) Major change in requirements

(vi) Change to a significant term or condition

(vii) Addition or deletion of a significant term or condition

(e) General Counsel and Policy Compliance Reviews.

(1) Legal (GC) and Policy Compliance (PL22) reviews shall be obtained prior to submission to the AA/SSA.

(i) Legal review threshold is $6.5M for all DITCOs.

(ii) Policy Compliance review thresholds are as follows:

(A) PL5, 6, 7, and 82 threshold is $6.5M and above

(B) PL83 threshold is $10M and above

(2) At a minimum, the contracting officer must review the contract file/documentation prior to requesting a legal and policy compliance review. Also, the contract file must be reviewed at least one level above the contracting officer prior to requesting a legal and policy compliance review for contract actions greater than or equal to $50M. The contract specialist or contracting officer may submit the request for legal and policy compliance review only after all reviewer comments, if any, are resolved.

(3) Legal and policy compliance reviews may be requested concurrently. A minimum of four (4) business days should be factored into the procurement process for legal reviews and a maximum of four (4) business days should be factored into the procurement process for policy compliance reviews.

(4) In circumstances where the contracting officer finds it necessary to proceed with issuing a solicitation or awarding a contract action prior to obtaining a legal (GC) review required by DARS, the contracting officer shall obtain a written waiver from the COCO. The waiver shall be retained in the official contract file. The contracting officer shall request an emergency/or quick turn-around legal review, by contacting their local OGC representative, prior to preparing the waiver request.

(5) Policy compliance (PL22) reviews ---

(i) Requests for policy compliance review shall be sent via email to the “DISA Ft Meade PLD Mailbox PL22 Policy Compliance Review” group mailbox. The following standard subject line format shall be used: “[insert Office Code (i.e., PLX)], [insert “Pre-Solicitation”, “Pre-Award” or “Post-Award,” as appropriate] Policy Compliance Review Request, [insert solicitation, contract/modification, or order/modification number] and [*insert EDMS folder ID number].” Urgent requests for review must also include “Expedite” in the subject line and shall be forwarded to the PL22 group mailbox by the COCO.

(ii) In circumstances where the contracting officer finds it necessary to proceed with issuing a solicitation or awarding a contract action prior to obtaining PL22 policy compliance review as required by the DARS, the contracting officer shall obtain a written waiver from the COCO. The waiver shall be retained in the official contract file.

(iii) PL22 Policy Compliance has a maximum of four (4) business days to complete a review.

(iv) Provide other pertinent information needed to assist the PL22 policy compliance reviewers should be included in the body of the e-mail. For example, provide the EDMS folder ID number, document identifier/description, indicate if a policy compliance review was accomplished at a previous stage of the procurement (and if so, the solicitation number), provide the estimated dollar value of the procurement, etc. See Table 1-3 for a list of required documents. Documents may be submitted as attachments to the email if not available in EDMS.

*Note: Regardless of the type of review, the EDMS folder identifier used in EDMS at the time of the review request must be included to allow the automatic storing of the review results.

(v) Each review comment will be listed under one of the following categories: Administrative, Critical or Recommendation. Below is the definition of each category:

(A) Administrative is grammar, punctuation, style, etc.

(B) Critical is when the procurement is non-compliant with the FAR, DFARS, DARS, and DISA prescribed procedures. The reference will be cited and the comment shall be resolved within two business days and/or prior to release of any further documentation. The critical comment(s) and disposition shall become a permanent part of the contract action file.

(i) DITCO-Pacific (PL7), DITCO-Scott Telecommunications Contracting Division (PL82) and DITCO-Scott IT Contracting Division (PL83) shall obtain legal reviews from legal counsel located at DITCO-Scott. DITCO-National Capital Region (PL6), DITCO-Europe (PL5), and WHCA shall obtain legal reviews from legal counsel located at NCR.

(ii) Requests for legal review from legal counsel located at DITCO-Scott shall be sent via email to the “DISA Scott AFB DITCO Mailbox Legal Office” group mailbox. Requests for legal reviews from legal counsel located at DITCO-NCR shall be sent via email to the “DISA Ft Meade GC Mailbox Acquisition Law Team” group mailbox. The following standard subject line format shall be used: “[insert Office Code (i.e., PLX)], [insert “Pre-Solicitation”, “Pre-Award Contract Approval” or “Contract Approval” as appropriate] Legal Review Request, [insert solicitation, contract/modification, or order/modification number].” Provide the EDMS

document identifier in the body of the email so that legal counsel can access contract file documentation, in addition to that described below, as they deem appropriate to complete their review.

Table 1-3 Minimum Documentation to Attach to Review Requests

(The minimum documentation required for reviews)

Type of Review	Decision Point	Non-Competitive	Competitive FAR Parts 12 and 15	Competitive FAR Subparts 8.4 and 16.5

Pre-Solicitation	Prior to Release of Solicitation	All Pre-Solicitation Documents including the Solicitation	All Pre-Solicitation Documents including the Solicitation	All Pre-Solicitation Documents including the Solicitation
	Prior to Beginning Negotiations	See DARS 15.406-3 for Required Review and Approval of Pre-PNMs and Sole Source PNMs	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Contract Approval	Prior to Award	Contract, Order or Modification and Post-PNM RFP and Evaluation Documents (Legal Only)	All Pre-Award Documentation including Contract, Source Selection Decision Document, Best Value Trade-off or LPTA Evaluation Summary(e.g., Selection Recommendation Document), RFP and Draft Notification to Unsuccessful Offerors	All Pre-Award Documentation including Order, Post-PNM, Best Value Trade-off or LPTA Evaluation Summary(e.g., Selection Recommendation Document), RFQ and Draft Notification to Unsuccessful Offerors

1.9001 Procurement Management Reviews (PMRs) and Special Interest Reviews.

(a) Chief, Quality Assurance Branch (PL22) will establish and maintain DISA’s Procurement

Management Review (PMR) program, conduct Special Interest Reviews, and assist the Agency DISA with other reviews as appropriate. PMRs assist the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) and the DISA Vice-Director, as the Agency Senior Procurement Executive, in evaluating DISA’s procurement processes including DISA’s Purchase Card Program. PMRs also assist the Contracting Chiefs and Commanders with improving the operational efficiency and effectiveness of their contracting organizations. This is accomplished through the assessment of internal management controls, acquisition policies and procedures, and annually certifying to the Secretary of Defense that the procurement system meets established statues, regulations, and policies. Additionally, the results of the internal PMRs are used to assess the procurement organization’s ability to sustain external scrutiny such as DoD Inspector General (DoDIG) Audits, General Accountability Office (GAO) Audits, external PMRs, and other independent reviews.

(b) PMRs are conducted at the HCA’s four Defense Information Technology Contracting

Organizations (DITCOs) and three external organizations:

(1) DITCO-National Capital Region (NCR) (2) DITCO-Europe

(3) DITCO-Pacific

(4) DITCO-Scott

(5) WHCA (White House Communications Agency)

(6) CMCA (Communications Management and Control Activity)

(7) NAG (National Assessment Group)

A-123:

(1) Sound contracting business decisions;

(2) Effective competition, small business, and other procurement initiatives;

(3) Pricing Techniques;

(4) Types of Contracts;

(5) Market Research;

(6) Customer satisfaction;

(7) Designation of Contracting Officers Representatives (CORs);

(8) Performance-Based Acquisition (PBA) – Quality Assurance Surveillance Plans (QASPs);

(9) Contract Award and Incentive Fee Process

(10) Wide Area Work-Flow-Receipt and Acceptance (WAWF-RA);

(11) Contract Close-out;

(12) Purchase Card Program;

(13) Overall internal management controls;

(14) Proper separation of functions and duties;

(15) Proper Government oversight; and

(16) Adequate checks and balances.

(d) Special Interest Reviews are conducted at the request of the HCA or Vice Director. These reviews evaluate --

(1) Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs);

(2) Limited contracting officer’s warrants;

(3) Purchase cardholders and approving officials; and

(4) Other areas as appropriate.

(e) Chief, Quality Assurance Branch (PL22) or designee will be the final decision authority for unresolved PMR issues.

(f) Chief, Quality Assurance Branch (PL22) will appoint a PMR Coordinator who will:

(1) Conduct PMRs on contracting offices at least once every 12-18 months;

(2) Conduct special interest reviews at the request of the HCA or Vice Director;

(3) Assist with Agency reviews when requested;

(4) Conduct follow-up reviews to validate corrective action taken from previous identified findings and recommendations;

(5) Identify systemic issues;

(6) Establish and maintain PMR statistics for the Procurement Directorate’s Balanced-Scorecard

(BSC);

(7) Establish and lead the PMR team;

(8) Issue a draft report allowing sufficient time for comments;

(9) Consider comments received prior to release of the final report;

(10) Ensure final report requires the appropriate organization to provide a Plan of Action and

Milestones (POA&M) for correcting all findings and recommendations; and

(11) Release the final report to the organization after approval by the HCA.

1.9002 Procurement Oversight for Classified.

Classified procurements are not exempt from compliance reviews. The Chief, Quality Assurance Branch (PL22) shall be contacted to coordinate all compliance reviews for classified procurements. The contracting officer shall ensure contract documents are redacted to remove any reference to the awardee, program, etc.

1.9003 Routing Structure for the DISA Form 320 and Form 9.

The following is the standard routing structure for all contractual documents that require HCO, HCA or SPE approval/signature. For in-house (PLD) approval/signature only, the routing shall occur by using the DISA Form 320. Only use the DISA Form 9 for external approval/signature such as SPE approval/signature.

(a) HCO Approval/Signature (PL8 is exempt from creating a DISA Form 320 for HCO Approval/Signature)

The contracting officer or contract specialist completes the DISA Form 320. The routing list is as follows:

SEQ No.	TO	FOR*
1	Contracting Officer Name**	7
2	Administrative Assistant Name	8
3	Branch Chief Name	7
4	COCO Name	7
5	Local GC Name	7
6	Compliance Review	7
7	PACA or ACA Name***	7 or 24
8	HCO Name	2 or 24

**Enter Contracting Officer only if the Contract Specialist is completing the routing slip.

***Enter PACA or ACA only if there is an exception to competition such as Acquisition Plans and Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition.

(b) HCA Approval/Signature

The contracting officer or contract specialist completes the DISA Form 320. The routing list is as follows:

SEQ No.	TO	FOR*
1	Contracting Officer Name**	7
2	Administrative Assistant Name	8
3	Branch Chief Name	7
4	COCO Name	7
5	Local GC Name	7
6	Compliance Review	7
7	PACA or ACA Name***	7 or 24
8	HCO Name	7
9	PLD Vice Director Name	7
10	HCA	2 or 24

**Enter Contracting Officer only if the Contract Specialist is completing the routing slip.

***Enter PACA or ACA only if there is an exception to competition such as Acquisition Plans and Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition.

The contracting officer or contract specialist completes the DISA Form 9 as the Action Officer. The routing list is as follows:

(i) Non-SES Form 9:

PLX Contracting Officer Name (only if the Contract Specialist is the Action Officer)

AdmA Administrative Assistant Name

PLX Branch Chief Name

COCO COCO Name

GC Local Legal

PL22 Compliance Review

PACA PACA Name (only if there is an exception to competition)

HCO HCO Name

PLD PLD Vice Director

(ii) SES Form 9:

ACA ACA Name (only if there is an exception to competition)

HCA PLD Director

SPE DISA Vice Director

(d) Approving Authority and Source Selection Authority Delegations (This requires a DISA Form 320 and a DISA Form 9)

The contracting officer or contract specialist completes the DISA Form 320 and DISA Form 9 as the Action Officer.

(i) DISA Form 320 (Internal). The routing list is as follows:

SEQ No.	TO	FOR*
1	Contracting Officer Name**	7
2	Administrative Assistant Name	8
3	Branch Chief Name	7
4	CoCO Name	7
5	Compliance Review	7

7	HCO Name	7

9	PLD Vice Director Name	7

**Enter Contracting Officer only if the Contract Specialist is completing the routing slip.

(ii) SES Form 9:

GC Legal Director (required when SPE signature is required on contractual documents)

HCA PLD Director

SPE DISA Vice Director

1.9004 Submission of Recommended DARS Policy and Procedure Changes

(a) All DARS policy and procedures change requests to include template, checklist, and corporate library shall be requested through the PL21 Policy and Procedures Mailbox, disa.meade.PLD.mbx.pl21-policy-branch@mail.mil.

(b) The subject of the email needs to provide the DARS Part, Template Name, Checklist Name, or Corporate Library and it needs to state if the change is Major, Significant, or Administrative.