Comment on Federal Acquisitions Regulation Draft Segment

Three subparts of a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) draft segment are reviewed. Policy, standards, and procedures for determining whether a prospective contractor or subcontractor is responsible are prescribed, and there is a responsibility standard to emphasize Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act requirements. The establishment of a Qualified Products List to identify items that have been tested for compliance with specifications in advance of a contractual action is discussed. Responsibilities of a specification preparing activity are set forth to provide manufacturers an opportunity to qualify their products or items. Another subpart sets forth policy with respect to testing and approval of preproduction models. Other variations made in the present regulations that will be of interest to contracting officers are noted.