When certified cost or pricing data are not required, why might data other than certified cost or pricing data still be obtained?

Obtaining data other than certified cost or pricing data, even when such data are not mandated, serves the essential purpose of establishing a fair and reasonable price for the contract. In contracting practices, it is important to ensure that prices agreed upon are aligned with market conditions and reflect the true costs associated with the products or services being procured.

Acquiring additional data can involve gathering information about previous contracts, historical pricing, or other cost benchmarks that give insights into the pricing landscape. This evaluation aids contracting officers in determining if the proposed prices are justifiable, competitive, and in the best interest of the government or the procuring entity. Establishing a fair and reasonable price is critical to avoid overpayment and to ensure that taxpayer money is effectively utilized, thereby supporting transparency and fiscal responsibility in government contracting.

While other options may hold validity in specific circumstances—like legal compliance or competitive analysis—the primary focus in this context remains on utilizing whatever available data can support a justified pricing decision, making the acquisition of additional pricing data essential, even in the absence of certified cost or pricing data.