Resources
Acquisition Knowledge, Organized.
Reference materials, practical guides, and articles to help government program offices and small businesses navigate the DoD acquisition environment.
Acquisition Insights
Understanding the FAR/DFARS Framework
A plain-language overview of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and its Defense supplement — what they govern, how they interact, and why compliance matters at every acquisition phase.
Source Selection: What Evaluators Are Really Looking For
A breakdown of how source selection evaluation criteria are structured, how proposals are scored, and the most common mistakes offerors make in competitive procurements.
Small Business Set-Asides: Navigating the Rules
An overview of the small business set-aside landscape — 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB — including eligibility thresholds, teaming considerations, and compliance obligations.
Contract Modifications: Types, Authority, and Risk
A practical guide to bilateral and unilateral modifications, the limits of contracting officer authority, and how to protect your program from scope creep and constructive changes.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Acquisition Strategy Development Guide
A structured walkthrough of the acquisition strategy process — from market research and requirements definition through strategy document preparation and milestone approval.
- 1Define the requirement and validate the need
- 2Conduct market research and industry analysis
- 3Select the appropriate contract type
- 4Develop the acquisition strategy document
- 5Obtain milestone decision authority approval
Preparing a Competitive Proposal
A practical guide for small businesses and defense contractors preparing proposals for DoD competitive procurements — from solicitation review through final submission.
- 1Review the solicitation and identify evaluation criteria
- 2Develop a compliant proposal outline
- 3Address technical, management, and past performance volumes
- 4Prepare a defensible cost or price volume
- 5Conduct internal review and submit on time
Key Regulations & Resources
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
The primary regulation governing all federal government procurement. Codified at 48 CFR Chapters 1–2.
acquisition.govDefense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
DoD-specific acquisition rules that supplement the FAR. Applies to all DoD contracts and subcontracts.
acquisition.govDoD 5000 Series (Acquisition Policy)
The DoD Instruction series governing defense acquisition system policy, program management, and milestone decision authority.
dau.eduDefense Acquisition University (DAU)
The DoD's acquisition workforce training and reference resource — including continuous learning modules, policy references, and the ACQuipedia knowledge base.
dau.eduSAM.gov — System for Award Management
The official federal database for contractor registration, past performance, exclusions, and contract opportunity listings.
sam.govSBA — Small Business Administration
Federal resource for small business certification programs, size standards, and contracting assistance including 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB.
sba.govHave a Specific Question?
These resources provide a starting point — but every acquisition situation is different. Reach out to discuss your program or procurement challenge directly.