Just as with my Quick Hitter series on the FAR, my Quick Hitter series on the GSAR is meant to simplify contracting business with the government. This time with GSA.
GSAR 516.505 Ordering
This part elaborates on LPTA which just about everybody understands that is how the government conducts their business. Trust me. It isn’t. However, that is how the novice understands federal contracting. I’m going to share with you when LPTA is appropriate.
The corresponding FAR Part illustrates when the basis of award is to be used. As does the supplement for DOD.
Regardless of what the government pays for goods or services, the scope of the solicitation must be met with the highest possible quality which aligns with federal and agency regulations.
However, FAR 15.101-2 shows you exactly what the LPTA process is and not FAR 16.505.
To use the LPTA procedure, your CO must do the following; display why LPTA will not harm the government or the buy will still meet the government’s need while not sacrificing quality and reference the TO and DO ombudsman in the solicitation (basically an in-house vendor complaint center to thwart GAO protests).
Remember, the government uses taxpayer dollars allotted to each agency every year to purchase goods and services in the best interest of both our national government as well as the American people. Why would they buy a $1000 ink pen when they can get one made cheaply by Ability One? One may appear to be more professional and aesthetic, but they both possess the ability to create the end result of putting ink to paper.
So, next time you want a leg up on your competition when submitting a proposal to GSA, let’s look in the solicitation to understand if LPTA is being used to make the award decision. If it is then the cheapest price wins. No questions asked.
If you think I can help you then email nicholas.s.robertson@outlook.com for your introductory email and free consultation. 
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