Question

How is the increased use of commercial items affecting the use of Government specifications?

Answer 1

answer-

Commercial items include any item of a type customarily used by the general public, or by nongovernmental entities, for purposes other than governmental purposes that has been sold, leased, or licensed, or offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public.

Government specifications could be policies, guidelines and regulations to regulate the commercial items in the country. Standards for specifications may be provided by government agencies, standards organizations .

The FASA preference for commercial items is incorporated into the Federal Acquisition Regulation Statement of guiding principles for the Federal Acquisition System in FAR Section 1.102. FAR 1.102(b) specifically states that the Federal Acquisition System will:

1. Satisfy the customer in terms of cost, quality, and timeliness of the delivered product or service by;
   1. Maximizing the use of commercial products and services,
   2. Using contractors who have a track record of successful past performance or who demonstrate a current superior ability to perform, and
   3. Promoting competition;
2. Minimize administrative operating costs;
3. Conduct business with integrity, fairness, and openness; and
4. Fulfill public policy objectives.