Vendor Collaboration -- Department of State Vendor Communication Plan

Access to current market information is critical for Department of State (DoS) Program Managers, Project Managers and Contracting Officers as they define requirements and develop acquisition strategies. DoS encourages productive interactions between federal agencies and our industry partners to ensure an understanding of the marketplace and to negotiate and award contracts for effective solutions at fair and reasonable prices. Early, frequent, and constructive engagement with industry is a fundamental practice when planning DoS's acquisitions. Conversely, inadequate industry engagement in the acquisition planning process can impact the clarity of DoS needs and the effectiveness of DoS contracts. The DoS Vendor Communication Plan identifies the steps DoS has taken and will continue to take to reduce any unnecessary barriers to vendor engagement, publicize opportunities for DoS to communicate with industry, and prioritize engagement opportunities for DoS's acquisitions. Implementation of this plan will enhance communication with and engagement of industry, including small businesses and businesses not previously engaged with DoS contracts, through a campaign to optimize acquisition planning and vendor outreach. DoS is committed to the principles of openness and fairness and will work together with our industry partners to increase the transparency of the acquisition process. The Department of State Vendor Communication Plan is available online at http://www.statebuy.state.gov/content/Documents/VendorCommPlanDec2011.docx?menu_id=40 .