[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 1] [Revised as of October 1, 2005] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR9.105-1] [Page 149-150] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 9_CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS--Table of Contents Subpart 9.1_Responsible Prospective Contractors Sec. 9.105-1 Obtaining information. (a) Before making a determination of responsibility, the contracting officer shall possess or obtain information sufficient to be satisfied that a prospective contractor currently meets the applicable standards in 9.104. (b)(1) Generally, the contracting officer shall obtain information regarding the responsibility of prospective contractors, including requesting preaward surveys when necessary (see 9.106), promptly after a bid opening or receipt of offers. However, in negotiated contracting, especially when research and development is involved, the contracting officer may obtain this information before issuing the request for proposals. Requests for information shall ordinarily be limited to information concerning (i) the low bidder or (ii) those offerors in range for award. (2) Preaward surveys shall be managed and conducted by the surveying activity. (i) If the surveying activity is a contract administration office-- (A) That office shall advise the contracting officer on prospective contractors' financial competence and credit needs; and (B) The administrative contracting officer shall obtain from the auditor any information required concerning the adequacy of prospective contractors' accounting systems and these systems' suitability for use in administering the proposed type of contract. (ii) If the surveying activity is not a contract administration office, the contracting officer shall obtain from the auditor any information required concerning prospective contractors' financial competence and credit needs, the adequacy of their accounting systems, and these systems' suitability for use in administering the proposed type of contract. (3) Information on financial resources and performance capability shall be obtained or updated on as current a basis as is feasible up to the date of award. (c) In making the determination of responsibility (see 9.104-1(c)), the contracting officer shall consider relevant past performance information (see subpart 42.15). In addition, the contracting officer should use the following sources of information to support such determinations: (1) The Excluded Parties List System maintained in accordance with Subpart 9.4. (2) Records and experience data, including verifiable knowledge of personnel within the contracting office, audit offices, contract administration offices, and other contracting offices. (3) The prospective contractor--including bid or proposal information, [[Page 150]] questionnaire replies, financial data, information on production equipment, and personnel information. (4) Commercial sources of supplier information of a type offered to buyers in the private sector. (5) Preaward survey reports (see 9.106). (6) Other sources such as publications; suppliers, subcontractors, and customers of the prospective contractor; financial institutions; Government agencies; and business and trade associations. (7) If the contract is for construction, the contracting officer may consider performance evaluation reports (see 36.201(c)(2)). (d) Contracting offices and cognizant contract administration offices that become aware of circumstances casting doubt on a contractor's ability to perform contracts successfully shall promptly exchange relevant information. [48 FR 42142, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 51 FR 27119, July 29, 1986; 52 FR 9038, Mar. 20, 1987; 54 FR 19813, May 8, 1989; 60 FR 16718, Mar. 31, 1995; 60 FR 33065, June 26, 1995; 61 FR 39201, July 26, 1996; 69 FR 76349, Dec. 20, 2004]