Define: Competition In Contracting Act

CICA is a federal law in the United States that promotes competition in government contracting by requiring agencies to obtain full and open competition for their procurements.

The main purpose of CICA is to ensure that government contracts are awarded through fair and open competition, which helps to promote efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and transparency in the procurement process.

CICA applies to all federal agencies and their procurement activities, including the Department of Defense, civilian agencies, and certain government-owned corporations.

Under CICA, agencies must provide for full and open competition in their procurements, unless certain exceptions apply. They must also document their decisions and justifications for using noncompetitive procedures.

CICA allows for certain exceptions to full and open competition, such as when there is only one responsible source for the required goods or services, or when there is an urgent need that does not allow for a competitive process.

CICA includes provisions that encourage small businesses to participate in government contracting, such as set-aside programs and requirements for agencies to consider small businesses for certain procurements.

Yes, contractors who believe that a procurement decision was made in violation of CICA’s requirements can file a bid protest with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Court of Federal Claims.

Contractors who knowingly submit false or misleading information in connection with a procurement under CICA may be subject to criminal penalties, civil fines, and potential debarment from future government contracts.

Contractors can ensure compliance with CICA by familiarizing themselves with the law’s requirements, participating in training programs, and seeking legal advice when necessary. They should also maintain accurate and complete records of their procurement activities to demonstrate compliance if needed.