Preaward Surveys - SF Form 1405 (Production)

This is the fourth installment in our series on Preaward Surveys of Prospective Government Contractors. There are six forms (SF Forms 1403 through 1408) the Government uses to provide a structured approach to determining whether prospective contractors are capable of performing whatever work they are bidding on. Not everything is applicable in every case. For example, on a competitive award of a fixed price construction contract with progress payments based on work performed, the Government might be interested in financial capability and bonding capacity. The Government however probably won't be too interested in whether the prospective contractor has an accounting system that is adequate for cost reimbursable contracts.

SF Form 1405 is used to assess a prospective contractor's production capabilities and expertise. Obviously, if the contract doesn't require manufacturing, the assessment would not be requested. The 1405 is longer than the others - its four pages and requires quite a bit of detailed information including

• Total manufacturing space
• Space available for offered item
• Total storage space
• Storage for inspection lots
• Storage for shipping quantities
• Storage space available for offered items
• Amount of storage than can be converted for manufacturing, if required
• For each of these, the review must assess whether the square footage is adequate or not.

Section III of the form requires a listing of production equipment; manufacturing, special tooling, and special test. If the equipment is needed but not on hand, the contractor must identify when it will arrrive.

Section IV requires identification of crucial parts, materials, and subcontracts and those with the longest lead times.

Section V requires some demographic information on types of employees and whether they are on-board or need to be hired.

Section VII lists past performance information with quantities and dollar values listed.

Section VIII lists current production.

After all of the information is complete, the reviewer must make a recommendation as to whether the prospective contractor has the production capability and capacity to perform the contract. Contractors that are requested to complete this form or help complete it must ensure its accuracy and where capacity or capability turns up short, to provide a compelling narrative as to how they plan to acquire or hire the shortfalls.