FAR 36.602-5—Short selection process for contracts not to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 36.602-5 describes a streamlined architect-engineer (A-E) selection process that may be used only when the agency has authorized it and the contract is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. It covers two short selection paths: selection by the board and selection by the chairperson of the board when formal board action is unnecessary. The section explains how the selection report functions as the final selection list, how it is routed to the contracting officer, and how it authorizes the start of negotiations under FAR 36.606. In practice, this provision is meant to reduce administrative burden for lower-dollar A-E acquisitions while preserving the core Brooks Act-style qualifications-based selection framework. If the agency has not authorized the short process, the normal procedures in FAR 36.602-3 and 36.602-4 must be followed instead. The section is important because it defines who can make the selection decision, what approvals are required, and when the contracting officer may lawfully begin negotiations.
Key Rules
Agency authorization required
The short selection process may be used only when the agency has authorized it. If there is no such authorization, the contracting officer and selection officials must use the standard procedures in FAR 36.602-3 and 36.602-4.
Limited to SAT-level contracts
This streamlined process applies only to contracts not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. It is not a general shortcut for larger A-E procurements.
Board selection as final list
Under the board-based short process, the board still reviews and evaluates firms under FAR 36.602-3, but the selection report itself becomes the final selection list. The report is sent directly to the contracting officer and serves as authority to begin negotiations under FAR 36.606.
Chairperson may act for board
If the board decides formal board action is unnecessary, the chairperson performs the board functions required by FAR 36.602-3. This preserves the evaluation process while eliminating the need for full board action on a particular selection.
Higher-level review of chairperson report
When the chairperson performs the selection functions, the agency head or designated selection authority must review the report and either approve it or return it for revision. Negotiations may begin only after an approved report is issued.
Approved report authorizes negotiations
In both short-process paths, the approved selection report is the document that authorizes the contracting officer to commence negotiations in accordance with FAR 36.606. The contracting officer should not negotiate before receiving that authorization.
Responsibilities
Agency
Authorize use of the short selection process and ensure it is applied only to A-E contracts not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
Board
When using the board-based short process, review and evaluate A-E firms in accordance with FAR 36.602-3 and issue a selection report that serves as the final selection list and authorization for negotiations.
Chairperson of the board
When formal board action is unnecessary, perform the board functions required by FAR 36.602-3, prepare the report, and furnish it for higher-level review and then to the contracting officer after approval.
Agency head or designated selection authority
Review the chairperson’s report, approve it or return it for appropriate revision, and thereby control whether the selection may proceed to negotiations.
Contracting officer
Receive the final or approved selection report and use it as authorization to commence negotiations under FAR 36.606; do not begin negotiations without that authorization.
Selection officials
Apply the same evaluation principles required by FAR 36.602-3 even though the process is shortened, ensuring the selection remains qualifications-based and properly documented.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly an efficiency tool: it lets agencies move faster on smaller A-E buys without abandoning the required qualifications-based selection framework.
A common pitfall is treating the short process as optional without checking whether the agency has actually authorized it; if not, the standard procedures still apply.
Another risk is starting negotiations too early. The contracting officer needs the selection report that functions as authorization, and in the chairperson path that report must first be approved by the agency head or designated selection authority.
Documentation matters even in the short process. The report is not just a record; it is the operative document that supports the selection decision and the move into negotiations.
Because the process still relies on FAR 36.602-3 evaluation functions, agencies should not assume the short form allows a less rigorous assessment of qualifications or a weaker record of the basis for selection.
Official Regulatory Text
When authorized by the agency, either or both of the short processes described in this subsection may be used to select firms for contracts not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Otherwise, the procedures prescribed in 36.602-3 and 36.602-4 shall be followed. (a) Selection by the board. The board shall review and evaluate architect-engineer firms in accordance with 36.602-3 , except that the selection report shall serve as the final selection list and shall be provided directly to the contracting officer. The report shall serve as an authorization for the contracting officer to commence negotiations in accordance with 36.606 . (b) Selection by the chairperson of the board. When the board decides that formal action by the board is not necessary in connection with a particular selection, the following procedures shall be followed: (1) The chairperson of the board shall perform the functions required in 36.602-3 . (2) The agency head or designated selection authority shall review the report and approve it or return it to the chairperson for appropriate revision. (3) Upon receipt of an approved report, the chairperson of the board shall furnish the contracting officer a copy of the report which will serve as an authorization for the contracting officer to commence negotiations in accordance with 36.606 .