FAR 35.004—Publicizing requirements and expanding research and development sources.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 35.004 explains how agencies should publicize research and development (R&D) requirements and broaden the pool of available R&D sources. It requires agencies, in addition to the normal synopsis and notice requirements in FAR part 5, to continually search for and develop information on capable R&D sources, including small business concerns. The section specifically calls for early identification and publication of agency R&D needs, cooperation among technical personnel, contracting officers, and Government small business personnel early in the acquisition process, and the provision of agency R&D points of contact for potential sources. It also points readers to subpart 9.7 on R&D pools and subpart 9.6 on teaming arrangements, showing that source development is not just about posting notices but also about building a broader, more connected R&D industrial base. In practice, this section is meant to help agencies find the best scientific and technical performers, encourage competition and innovation, and make it easier for new or smaller firms to enter the R&D market.
Key Rules
Publicize R&D needs early
Agencies must identify and publish R&D requirements as early as possible, including through the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE) under FAR part 5. The goal is to give the scientific and industrial community enough lead time to understand upcoming needs and prepare to compete or collaborate.
Continuously develop sources
Agencies must continually search for and build information on capable R&D sources, not just rely on existing vendors. This includes looking beyond traditional contractors and considering small business concerns that may have relevant scientific or technical capabilities.
Coordinate early across functions
Technical personnel, contracting officers, and Government small business personnel should cooperate early in the acquisition process. Early coordination helps shape requirements, identify market capabilities, and avoid missed opportunities to involve qualified sources.
Provide agency points of contact
Agencies should give potential sources clear R&D points of contact. This makes it easier for firms, universities, and other performers to ask questions, express interest, and learn how to engage with the agency’s R&D mission.
Consider pools and teaming
The section directs readers to subpart 9.7 for R&D pools and subpart 9.6 for teaming arrangements. Agencies and contractors should use these tools where appropriate to expand participation, combine capabilities, and improve access to specialized R&D expertise.
Responsibilities
Agency
Continuously identify, develop, and maintain information on competent R&D sources; publicize R&D needs early; include GPE notices as required by FAR part 5; support small business participation; and provide clear agency R&D points of contact.
Technical personnel
Work with contracting officers and small business personnel early to define R&D needs, identify potential sources, and help ensure requirements are communicated in a way that attracts capable performers.
Contracting Officer
Ensure R&D requirements are publicized in accordance with FAR part 5, coordinate early with technical and small business staff, and support source development efforts that broaden the competitive base.
Government small business personnel
Participate early in the acquisition process to identify opportunities for small business participation and help the agency reach a broader set of potential R&D sources, including small businesses.
Potential sources
Use agency points of contact and published notices to learn about upcoming R&D opportunities, communicate capabilities, and pursue teaming or pool participation where appropriate.
Practical Implications
Agencies should not wait until a solicitation is nearly complete before looking for sources; early market outreach is a core expectation here.
Small businesses are specifically part of the intended source base, so agencies should actively look for them rather than treating them as an afterthought.
A common pitfall is relying only on existing contractor relationships; this section pushes agencies to broaden the field and keep source information current.
Clear points of contact matter because R&D performers often need technical clarification before deciding whether they can compete or team.
Contracting teams should remember that this section works together with FAR part 5, subpart 9.6, and subpart 9.7, so source development should be coordinated with synopsis, teaming, and pool strategies.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) In order to obtain a broad base of the best contractor sources from the scientific and industrial community, agencies must, in addition to following the requirements of part 5 , continually search for and develop information on sources (including small business concerns) competent to perform R&D work. These efforts should include- (1) Early identification and publication of agency R&D needs and requirements, including publicizing through the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE) (see part 5 ); (2) Cooperation among technical personnel, contracting officers, and Government small business personnel early in the acquisition process; and (3) Providing agency R&D points of contact for potential sources. (b) See subpart 9.7 for information regarding R&D pools and subpart 9.6 for teaming arrangements.