SD-2 Dod Acquisitions Buying Commercial Items And Nondevelopmental ItemsThis document offers guidance on acquisitions involving all types of commercial and nondevelopmental items: systems, subsystems, assemblies, parts, and items of supply. Commercial services are also addressed.This document does not present a “cookbook” approach to the acquisition of commercial and nondevelopmental items; such an approach could not accommodate the vast array of potential applications. It does offer lessons learned and things to consider when participating on an integrated product team.

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In general, the test and evaluation program should be designed to

•  verify commercial claims related to the item itself, including its reliability, maintainability, and electromagnetic compatibility;

•  verify the supplier's quality assurance; and

•  verify the item's supportability.

In addition, some NDIs may be candidates for the Foreign Comparative Testing program, which is discussed in Appendix D.

Verification of Commercial Claims

One definite advantage to buying commercial items and NDIs is that they are existing products that can be seen, operated, and tested.The use of a product sample is one way to screen candi- date items. Samples can be used to do the following:

•  Verify manufacturer's claims regarding performance and quality

•  Test for operational effectiveness in a military environment

•  Determine the acceptability of intangible item characteristics like ease of use and ergonomics

•  Evaluate against source selection criteria.

The following are factors to consider when including a sample requirement in a solicitation:

•  Identify the number and size of samples required and where they should be delivered

•  Articulate the item characteristics to be evaluated in the product description

•  Describe how installation and operation of the sample will be handled

•  Address responsibility for the transport, delivery, and disposition of samples after evaluation is complete

•  Address waivers for previously tested or approved items.

The discussion below is oriented toward acquisitions of large systems and complex equip- ment. Much of the test and evaluation process discussed is not appropriate for items of supply, consumable items, or commodities that are typically prequalified or tested at the time of pro- curement.