[Request for Comments on OFPP Policy Letter]

GAO was asked to comment on the proposed Office of Federal Procurement Policy letter regarding noncompetitive procurements. Section 3.a.4 of the proposed policy letter sanctions a noncompetitive award where an unsolicited proposal demonstrates a unique or innovative concept, while section 3.c mandates the establishment of procedures to ensure that the award is not due to informal Government requests or information from Government personnel to a particular contractor. GAO found no reason to have a separate section of the letter sanctioning noncompetitive awards based on unsolicited proposals and recommended that sections 3.a.4 and 3.c be deleted. GAO further recommended that the letter incorporate the provisions of a statute which mandates public notification of noncompetitive procurements.