Use of Basic Ordering Type Agreement Procedure by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

An advance decision was requested regarding the agency's proposal to establish procedures for the use of a series of basic ordering agreements as a mechanism for the procurement of expert services for studies, research, and evaluation. The proposed use of a basic ordering agreement-type method of prequalifying firms to compete in exigency situations where sole source award might otherwise be made is not unduly restrictive of competition but could enhance competition in such limited instances. The implementation of a procedure which provides for the awarding of basic ordering type agreements to all firms in the competitive range in response to a simulated procurement was tentatively approved.