Which FAR Part covers the acquisition of commercial items?

The acquisition of commercial items is covered under FAR Part 12. This section of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is specifically designed to streamline the procurement process for commercial products and services, facilitating easier access for government agencies while ensuring that they can acquire necessary items efficiently and effectively.

FAR Part 12 provides definitions, guidelines, and procedures tailored for the acquisition of these items, including how to conduct market research and evaluate commercial offerings. By using this part, contracting officers benefit from a more flexible and less burdensome process tailored to the characteristics of commercial products, which often differ significantly from government-specific items. This helps in promoting competition and efficiency within the procurement process.

In contrast, the other parts mentioned serve different purposes: Part 11 focuses on the development of specifications for procurement, Part 14 deals with sealed bidding procedures, and Part 15 outlines the procedures for competitive negotiation. Each of these areas has its own distinct applications, which do not specifically address the unique requirements and streamlined processes for acquiring commercial items.