Federal buying runs on one rulebook. The Federal Acquisition Regulations System exists to codify and publish uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by all executive agencies 1.
The system states its own goal: to deliver the best value product or service to the customer on time, while maintaining the public's trust and fulfilling public policy objectives 2.
Who can commit the government
Contracting officers have the authority to enter into, administer or terminate contracts and to make the related determinations and findings 3. A program manager, an engineer or an end user may know the requirement best, but contracts may be entered into and signed on behalf of the Government only by contracting officers 4.
Worked example. A program office engineer tells Contractor A that the agency "definitely" wants a second phase and asks them to start early. Contractor A asks the contracting officer whether a contract action is planned before spending a dollar. Asking first costs nothing.
Indented paragraphs are invented worked examples. Tool links open Bids2Bank and need a free account.
Next lesson: Get registered: SAM.gov and the single point of entry