True or False: The Government shall always rely on in-process inspection for commercial items according to FAR part 12.

In the context of FAR Part 12, which addresses the acquisition of commercial items, the statement regarding the government's reliance on in-process inspection needs careful consideration. The correct choice emphasizes that the government shall only consider in-process inspection when it is aligned with market practices.

The rationale behind this is that the FAR allows for flexibility in the procurement process, particularly when dealing with commercial items that often have established market-based quality practices. These practices can vary widely between different commercial goods and their manufacturers. Thus, while in-process inspection may be beneficial for some items to ensure quality and compliance, it is not a blanket requirement for all commercial items. Instead, it should be invoked in line with what is typical in the marketplace for the specific product being acquired. If the market practices do not necessitate such inspections, the government is not required to implement them.

This aligns with the overarching principles of FAR Part 12, which is designed to streamline processes by leveraging existing commercial practices, rather than imposing unnecessary or overly rigid standards that do not suit the commercial environment.