What are the three steps in the FAR order of preference for supporting the reasonableness of a commercial item?

The correct answer identifies the three steps in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) order of preference for supporting the reasonableness of a commercial item. The rationale behind this selection lies in the framework established by the FAR, which emphasizes a structured approach in evaluating commercial item pricing.

The first step, determining government information, involves reviewing any existing government data related to the specific commercial item being procured. This includes using pricing information previously established through government contracts or existing regulations that can serve as a benchmark.

The second step directs attention to seeking information from other sources. This step widens the scope, allowing the acquisition team to gather data from a variety of external sources, like market research or industry reports, which can provide comparative pricing and additional insights on the item’s value within the marketplace.

The third step focuses on obtaining information directly from the offeror. This step is crucial as it allows the contracting officer to gather targeted responses regarding the pricing rationale, cost elements, and any unique factors that could justify the proposed price.

Together, these steps create a comprehensive approach to verifying price reasonableness, ensuring that decisions made are sound, justified, and aligned with the regulatory framework (FAR) guiding government acquisitions.