The first step is to notify industry that a contract need exists and identify parameters of that need.

The first step is to notify industry that a contract need exists and identify parameters of that need.

• A. Budget Authority
• B. Operational Test and Evaluation
• C. Solicitation Phase
• D. Sustaining Engineering

Answer: (C)

This tests understanding of how contracting gets started with industry involvement. The step where you publicly announce that a contract is needed and lay out the parameters of that need is the Solicitation Phase. During this phase, the agency reaches out to potential bidders or offerors, posts a solicitation (such as an RFP or RFQ), and describes requirements, terms, evaluation criteria, and timelines. This invites industry to respond with proposals and helps ensure competitive, transparent bidding. Budget Authority focuses on funding and approval, not the process of engaging industry. Operational Test and Evaluation occurs later to assess performance of a system in real or simulated conditions. Sustaining Engineering deals with ongoing support and improvements after deployment. The Solicitation Phase specifically matches the idea of notifying industry and defining the contract parameters.

This tests understanding of how contracting gets started with industry involvement. The step where you publicly announce that a contract is needed and lay out the parameters of that need is the Solicitation Phase. During this phase, the agency reaches out to potential bidders or offerors, posts a solicitation (such as an RFP or RFQ), and describes requirements, terms, evaluation criteria, and timelines. This invites industry to respond with proposals and helps ensure competitive, transparent bidding.

Budget Authority focuses on funding and approval, not the process of engaging industry. Operational Test and Evaluation occurs later to assess performance of a system in real or simulated conditions. Sustaining Engineering deals with ongoing support and improvements after deployment. The Solicitation Phase specifically matches the idea of notifying industry and defining the contract parameters.