253.209-1 Responsible prospective

contractors.

(a) SF 1403, Preaward Survey of Prospective Contractor (General).

(i) The factors in Section III, Block 19, generally mean—

(A) Technical Capability. An assessment of the prospective contractor's key management personnel

to determine if they have the basic technical knowledge, experience, and understanding of the

requirements necessary to produce the required product or provide the required service.

(B) Production Capability. An evaluation of the prospective contractor's ability to plan, control, and

integrate manpower, facilities, and other resources necessary for successful contract completion.

This includes—

(1) An assessment of the prospective contractor's possession of, or the ability to acquire, the

necessary facilities, material, equipment, and labor; and

(2) A determination that the prospective contractor's system provides for timely placement of orders

and for vendor follow-up and control.

(C) Quality Assurance Capability. An assessment of the prospective contractor's capability to meet

the quality assurance requirements of the proposed contract. It may involve an evaluation of the

prospective contractor's quality assurance system, personnel, facilities, and equipment.

(D) Financial Capability. A determination that the prospective contractor has or can get adequate

financial resources to obtain needed facilities, equipment, materials, etc.

(E) Accounting System and Related Internal Controls. An assessment by the auditor of the adequacy

of the prospective contractor's accounting system and related internal controls as defined in

242.7501 , Definition. Normally, a contracting officer will request an accounting system review when

soliciting and awarding cost-reimbursement or incentive type contracts, or contracts which provide

for progress payments based on costs or on a percentage or stage of completion.

(ii) The factors in Section III, Block 20, generally mean—

(A) Government Property Control. An assessment of the prospective contractor's capability to

manage and control Government property.

(B) Transportation. An assessment of the prospective contractor's capability to follow the laws and

regulations applicable to the movement of Government material, or overweight, oversized,

hazardous cargo, etc.

(C) Packaging. An assessment of the prospective contractor's ability to meet all contractual

packaging requirements including preservation, unit pack, packing, marking, and unitizing for

shipment.

(D) Security Clearance. A determination that the prospective contractor's facility security clearance

is adequate and current. (When checked, the surveying activity will refer this factor to the Defense

Security Service (DSS)).
(E) Plant Safety. An assessment of the prospective contractor's ability to meet the safety

requirements in the solicitation.

(F) Environmental/Energy Consideration.An evaluation of the prospective contractor's ability to meet

specific environmental and energy requirements in the solicitation.

(G) Flight Operations and Flight Safety.An evaluation of the prospective contractor's ability to meet

flight operation and flight safety requirements on solicitations involving the overhaul and repair of

aircraft.

(H) Other. If the contracting officer wants an assessment of other than major factors A-E and other

factors A-G, check this factor. Explain the desired information in the Remarks sections.

Parent topic: 253.209 Contractor qualifications.