FAR 10.000—Scope of part.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 10.000 states the scope of FAR part 10, which is the government’s market research part. It explains that this part sets the policies and procedures agencies use to conduct market research before buying supplies or services, so the acquisition strategy chosen is the most suitable one for the requirement. In practical terms, this part is about understanding the marketplace early enough to decide how to acquire, distribute, and support the needed supplies and services in a way that fits the government’s needs, available commercial capabilities, and acquisition constraints. The section also identifies the statutory authorities the part implements: 41 U.S.C. 3306(a)(1), 41 U.S.C. 3307, 10 U.S.C. 3453, and 6 U.S.C. 796. Those citations show that market research is not optional background work; it is a required foundation for sound acquisition planning and for selecting an appropriate procurement approach.
Key Rules
Part 10 governs market research
This section makes clear that FAR part 10 is the source of policy and procedure for conducting market research. The purpose is to ensure agencies gather enough information about the marketplace before deciding how to buy.
Market research supports acquisition strategy
The research must be aimed at arriving at the most suitable approach to acquiring supplies and services. In practice, that means the results should inform decisions such as commercial item use, competition strategy, contract type, and whether existing solutions can meet the need.
Covers acquisition, distribution, and support
The scope is broader than just buying the item or service; it also includes how the government will distribute and support supplies and services. Agencies should therefore consider logistics, sustainment, lifecycle support, and related performance needs when researching the market.
Implements statutory requirements
This part implements several statutes, including 41 U.S.C. 3306(a)(1), 41 U.S.C. 3307, 10 U.S.C. 3453, and 6 U.S.C. 796. Those laws establish the legal basis for market research and related acquisition planning requirements across civilian, defense, and homeland security contexts.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Use the policies and procedures in FAR part 10 to ensure market research is conducted before selecting the acquisition approach. The contracting officer must rely on the research to support acquisition planning and the final procurement strategy.
Acquisition Team / Agency
Gather and analyze marketplace information about available supplies, services, commercial practices, distribution methods, and support options. The agency must use that information to identify the most suitable acquisition approach.
Program or Requirement Owner
Define the need clearly enough for meaningful market research and help identify performance, distribution, and support requirements. This party must provide the technical and operational context that shapes the research.
Policy and Oversight Officials
Ensure agency acquisition practices comply with the statutory requirements implemented by this part. They must support consistent use of market research as a required planning tool.
Practical Implications
Market research is a planning tool, not a paperwork exercise; it should directly influence the acquisition strategy.
If the team skips or rushes market research, it may choose an unsuitable contract approach, miss commercial solutions, or overlook support and distribution issues.
Contracting officers should make sure the research is broad enough to cover lifecycle and sustainment considerations, not just initial purchase price or product availability.
The statutory references mean agencies should treat market research as a legal requirement tied to acquisition planning, not merely a best practice.
A weak record of market research can create problems later if the chosen acquisition method is challenged or if the requirement changes because the marketplace was not understood.
Official Regulatory Text
This part prescribes policies and procedures for conducting market research to arrive at the most suitable approach to acquiring, distributing, and supporting supplies and services. This part implements the requirements of 41 U.S.C. 3306(a)(1) , 41 U.S.C. 3307 , 10 U.S.C. 3453 , and 6 U.S.C. 796 .