Justice Management Division
Serving Justice - Securing Results

The Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) of 1984 requires that all acquisitions be made using full and open competition. Seven exceptions to using full and open competition are specifically identified in FAR Part 6. Documentation justifying the use of any of these exceptions is required. The exception, with supporting documentation, must be certified and approved at certain levels that vary according to the dollar value of the acquisition. The information that must be included in each justification is identified in FAR Part 6.

Each contracting activity should issue local implementing procedures that define the appropriate processing of JOFOCs at their locale. These procedures should specifically address the responsibilities of the program manager and contracting activity legal counsel. Additionally, JOFOCs shall be made publicly available at the Government Point of Entry (GPE) www.fedbizopps.gov and on the website of the agency, which may provide access to the justifications by linking to the GPE, within 14 days after contract award, unless an exception applies. The JOFOCs must remain posted for a minimum of thirty days.

The use of the attached model JOFOC, in accordance with FAR 6.303-2, assures a consistent approach for including the required information identified in the FAR.