Who acts as the primary business advisor during the source selection process?

The primary business advisor during the source selection process is typically the Program Contracting Officer (PCO). The PCO plays a crucial role by ensuring that the procurement process is conducted in accordance with applicable regulations and policies. Their responsibilities include overseeing the entire contracting process, from the development of the solicitation to the evaluation of proposals, and ultimately making recommendations for contract award.

In the source selection process, the PCO ensures that all requirements are met, helps to articulate the business needs of the program, and provides guidance on procurement strategy and risk management. They also facilitate interactions between various stakeholders and ensure that the source selection team has all the necessary information and resources they need to make informed decisions.

This role is distinct from those of the other individuals involved. For instance, while the Source Selection Authority (SSA) has overall decision-making authority and the Proposal Evaluation Team Members focus on the technical evaluation of proposals, the PCO brings a comprehensive business perspective that is essential for successful procurement outcomes. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) typically manages contract performance but is not responsible for the source selection process itself.