The Source Selection Plan (SSP) is a key document that specifies how the source selection activities will be organized, initiated, and conducted. It serves as the guide for conducting the evaluation and analysis of proposals, and the selection of source(s) for the acquisition. SSP must clearly and succinctly express the Government’s minimum needs (evaluation factors) and their relative order of importance. [1]

When to Have a Source Selection Plan (SSP)

A Source Selection Plan (SSP) is required for all best-value, negotiated, competitive acquisitions under FAR Part 15, regardless of the dollar value of the acquisition or source selection process utilized.

Source Selection Plan (SSP) Authority

FAR 15.303(a) states that “Agency heads are responsible for source selection. The contracting officer is designated as the source selection authority unless the agency head appoints another individual for a particular acquisition or group of acquisitions.”

Template: Source Selection Plan Template – 2016

Typical Source Selection Plan (SSP) Format: [1]

• 1.0 INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1 Uses of the SSP
  • 1.2 Purpose of the Plan
• 2.0 SOURCE SELECTION PROCESS
  • 2.1 Description of Requirements
    2.2 Program Description
  • 2.3 Source Selection Result
  • 2.4 Acquisition Strategy
• 3.0 SOURCE SELECTION ORGANIZATION
  • 3.1 Source Selection Authority
  • 3.2 Source Selection Advisory Counsel
  • 3.3 Source Selection Evaluation Board
  • 3.3.1 SSEB Chairperson Responsibilities
  • 3.4 PCO Responsibilities 3.5 Project Manager Responsibilities
• 4.0 SECURITY
  • 4.1 Safeguarding of Data
  • 4.1.1 Security Plan
  • 4.1.1.1 Indoctrination of Personnel
  • 4.1.1.2 Communication
  • 4.1.1.3 Documentation control
  • 4.1.1.4 Unauthorized Disclosure
• 5.0 PRE-SOLICITATION ACTIVITIES
• 6.0 OFFEROR’S FACILITY VISIT
• 7.0 MAJOR SOURCE SELECTION EVENTS
• 8.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA
  • 8.1 Evaluation Criteria
  • 8.2 Assessment Criteria
  • 8.3 Proposal Requirements
  • 8.4 Basis for Award
  • 8.4.1 Order of importance
  • 8.4.2 Critical areas, items, factors
  • 8.5 Assessment of Risk
• 9.0 EVALUATION PROCEDURES

AcqLinks and References:

• DoD Source Selection Procedures – 31 Mar 2016
• Template: Source Selection Plan Template – Aug 2016
• Template: Source Selection Plan Template – Jan 2014
• Template: Proposal Evaluation Plan
• Template: Source Selection Plan
• Website: FAR Subpart 12 “Acquisition of Commercial Items”
• Website: FAR Subpart 15.2 ‘Solicitation and Receipt of Proposals and Information”
• Website: FAR Subpart 15 “Contracting by Negotiation”

Updated: 6/23/2021

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