Definition
Responsibility Determination Assessment by contracting officers that a contractor can perform contract requirements satisfactorily.
Definition
A responsibility determination is the contracting officer's assessment that a prospective contractor meets the standards required to receive a contract award. FAR 9.104-1 establishes general standards including adequate financial resources, ability to meet delivery schedule, satisfactory performance record, satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics, necessary organization and experience, necessary equipment and facilities, and otherwise qualified and eligible under applicable laws. Contracting officers may request information from contractors and consult sources like the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) and past performance databases. A finding of non-responsibility prevents contract award. Small businesses found non-responsible must be referred to SBA for Certificate of Competency consideration before final determination.
Also Known As
- Contractor Responsibility
- Responsibility Standards
Examples
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Not maintaining documentation that demonstrates responsibility standards
- ✕Ignoring the importance of FAPIIS and past performance databases
- ✕Assuming lowest price automatically wins without responsibility assessment
Who Should Know This Term
Contractors, proposal managers, contracts professionals, small business program managers
Official Source
FAR Subpart 9.1
