In the government procurement process, conducting thorough market research and drafting acquisition alternative documents are crucial steps for ensuring that a contract is awarded efficiently, effectively, and within budget. These steps help decision-makers understand the marketplace, evaluate available solutions, and select the best acquisition approach. Below, we will guide you through the process of conducting market research and creating the necessary acquisition documents to support your procurement strategy.

1. Conducting Market Research

Market research is the process of gathering, analyzing, and evaluating information about potential suppliers, existing products or services, and the overall market conditions. It is essential for ensuring that the procurement strategy is well-informed and results in the most suitable acquisition for the government agency's needs.

Steps for Conducting Market Research:

Define the Objective and Requirements: Before beginning market research, it is essential to clearly define the procurement requirements. This includes:
- The scope of work or objectives to be achieved.
- Desired outcomes and performance metrics.
- Budget limitations and timeline expectations.
Understanding these elements helps in narrowing down the focus during the research phase.
Identify Potential Sources: The next step is to identify suppliers or contractors who might be able to provide the required goods or services. Sources could include:
- Existing contracts (such as GSA schedules or existing vendor relationships).
- Industry associations and publications.
- Online databases like SAM (System for Award Management) or other government procurement websites.
- Requests for information (RFIs) or industry forums.
Collect Data on Suppliers and Solutions: Gather information about potential suppliers, products, or services, including:
- Supplier capabilities and experience.
- Pricing models and cost structures.
- Delivery timelines and past performance.
- Innovation and technology solutions available in the market.
Evaluate Market Conditions: Analyze the broader market landscape to understand supply and demand, competition, and market trends. This could include:
- Reviewing vendor price ranges.
- Evaluating whether suppliers can meet the required timelines and standards.
- Understanding potential barriers to entry, such as regulatory requirements or technological limitations.
Analyze and Synthesize Findings: Review and analyze the data collected to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities. This should give insight into:
- Which suppliers are best positioned to meet the agency's needs.
- The range of prices in the market.
- Any risks or opportunities that could impact the procurement strategy.
Document Market Research Results: Compile the findings into a formal market research report, which will serve as the basis for drafting the acquisition strategy and alternative documents. This report should include:
- A summary of the key findings.
- A comparison of different suppliers, their capabilities, and prices.
- Recommendations for the best procurement approach.

2. Drafting Acquisition Alternative Documents

After conducting market research, the next step is to draft acquisition alternative documents. These documents are used to determine the best approach for acquiring the required goods or services. They provide the framework for evaluating different acquisition strategies based on the research findings.

Common Acquisition Alternative Documents:

Acquisition Strategy Document (ASD):

The Acquisition Strategy Document (ASD) outlines the overall approach to the procurement process. It provides a detailed plan on how the acquisition will proceed, considering the research findings and objectives.

Key Elements of an ASD:
- Acquisition Objectives: Clear description of the goals and objectives to be achieved.
- Market Research Results: Summary of the findings, including vendor capabilities, cost estimates, and market conditions.
- Acquisition Approach: A description of the strategy for acquiring the goods or services, including whether a competitive bid process (e.g., RFP, RFQ) or sole-source contract is recommended.
- Risk Management: Identification of potential risks and mitigation strategies.
- Evaluation Criteria: How proposals will be evaluated based on factors like price, technical approach, past performance, and innovation.
- Timeline: The expected timeline for each phase of the acquisition, from solicitation to contract award.
Example: If market research reveals multiple qualified vendors, a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) approach may be recommended. However, if only one vendor has the capability to meet the agency's needs, a sole-source procurement may be appropriate.
Source Selection Plan (SSP):

A Source Selection Plan (SSP) outlines how the agency will evaluate proposals from contractors based on pre-defined criteria. The SSP is used to ensure that the selection process is fair, transparent, and in line with procurement regulations.

Key Elements of an SSP:
- Evaluation Criteria: A detailed list of factors that will be used to assess contractor proposals, such as technical capabilities, past performance, cost, and schedule.
- Source Selection Methodology: Describes the specific evaluation process, whether it's best value, lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA), or other methods.
- Roles and Responsibilities: Defines the roles of the evaluation team and key decision-makers.
- Proposal Evaluation Process: Details how proposals will be scored and ranked.
- Risk Assessment: Identification of any risks associated with the selected vendors and how those risks will be mitigated.
Independent Government Estimate (IGE):

The Independent Government Estimate (IGE) is a cost estimate that is developed independently by the government to compare against the bids received from contractors. It is essential for ensuring that the proposed prices are reasonable and fair.

Key Elements of an IGE:
- Detailed Cost Breakdown: An estimate of the cost for each component of the project, including labor, materials, and overhead.
- Market Price Comparison: A comparison of estimated costs against market conditions to ensure that the estimate is reasonable.
- Contingency: A budget allowance for unforeseen costs or price fluctuations.
- Price Reasonableness Check: Ensures that the prices proposed by contractors fall within an acceptable range, based on market research and historical data.
Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC):

If the acquisition is not going to be conducted through full and open competition, the agency must justify the use of alternative methods. This document, known as the Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC), provides the rationale for limiting competition.

Key Elements of a JOFOC:
- Explanation of the Need for Limited Competition: A clear explanation of why full competition is not feasible or practical for the acquisition.
- Market Research Findings: Evidence that supports the claim that no other suppliers can meet the requirements.
- Benefits of the Chosen Approach: How the alternative procurement method will still result in the best value for the government.

Conclusion

Market research and the drafting of acquisition alternative documents are foundational steps in the government procurement process. By conducting comprehensive market research, agencies can understand market conditions, evaluate available solutions, and make informed decisions. The acquisition alternative documents, including the Acquisition Strategy Document (ASD), Source Selection Plan (SSP), Independent Government Estimate (IGE), and Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC), provide the structure and framework necessary to ensure that the procurement is efficient, transparent, and fair.

These documents serve not only as a guide for the contracting process but also as a tool for managing risk, controlling costs, and ensuring that the agency achieves its objectives with the best possible outcomes. By thoroughly preparing these documents, you lay the groundwork for a successful procurement.