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Exploring the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) and Its Impact on Government Procurement
Definition & Meaning
The Competition in Contracting Act (CICA), enacted in 1984, is a federal law designed to promote competition in the awarding of government contracts. Its main goal is to encourage a larger pool of bidders, which can lead to lower prices and better value for government spending. The Act mandates that contracting officers ensure full and open competition when awarding contracts, utilizing appropriate competitive procedures. Any exceptions to this requirement must be documented and approved by the relevant government authority.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
CICA is primarily used in the context of government contracting. It applies to various types of contracts including those for goods, services, and construction. Legal professionals and contracting officers must understand CICA to ensure compliance when soliciting bids and awarding contracts. Users can utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to navigate the contracting process effectively.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A federal agency issues a request for proposals (RFP) for a new IT system. Under CICA, the agency must ensure that the RFP is publicly available, allowing multiple vendors to submit their proposals, thus fostering competition.
Example 2: A state government needs to hire a contractor for road construction. To comply with CICA, the state must advertise the project and allow multiple bids, ensuring that the final selection is based on competitive pricing and quality (hypothetical example).
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary statute governing this area is the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984, codified at 41 U.S.C. § 253. This law outlines the requirements for competitive bidding and the conditions under which exceptions may be made.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Differences
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
Set of rules governing federal procurement.
FAR provides detailed procedures, while CICA focuses on promoting competition.
Bid Protest
A challenge to the award of a contract.
Bid protests can arise from violations of CICA, but they are a separate legal process.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are involved in government contracting, familiarize yourself with CICA to ensure compliance. Consider using templates from US Legal Forms to assist with the bidding process. If your situation is complex or you have specific legal questions, consulting a legal professional is advisable.
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