Commercial Item Determination (CID) Training Library

1. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 2.101 and Part 12
   Establish foundational knowledge of commercial item definitions and acquisition policies. FAR Part 2.101 provides the definition of commercial items, while Part 12 outlines the policies and procedures for acquiring these items.
   Links:
   https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-2-definition-words-and-terms#FAR_2_101
   https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-12-acquisition-commercial-products-and-commercial-services
2. Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 212
   Understand DoD-specific regulations for commercial item acquisitions. DFARS Part 212 supplements the FAR with additional guidelines for the Department of Defense.
   Link:
   https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfarspgi/current/index.html
3. DCMA Commercial Item Determination (CID) Handbook
   Provide a step-by-step guide to CID. This handbook offers detailed procedures, checklists, and examples to assist in making commercial item determinations.
   Link:
   https://www.dcma.mil/Commercial-Item-Determinations/
4. DoD Commercial Item Guidebook
   Gain insights into best practices and processes for CID within the DoD. This guidebook includes decision-making processes, documentation requirements, and best practices.
   Link:
   https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/cpic/dcaa/files/Commercial-Item-Guidebook.pdf
5. GSA Commercial Acquisition Policy
   Learn about guidelines for acquiring commercial products and services. The GSA policy covers market research, pricing strategies, and negotiation tactics for commercial acquisitions.
   Link:
   https://www.gsa.gov/buying-selling/purchasing-programs/gsa-schedules/gsa-schedule-policies-and-procedures
6. Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Training Courses
   Enhance your skills with specialized training on commercial item acquisition. DAU offers various courses on market research, pricing, and commercial item determinations, available both online and in-person.
   Link:
   https://www.dau.edu/
7. National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Resources
   Access additional training and resources. NCMA provides webinars, articles, and training materials focused on CID and procurement.
   Link:
   https://www.ncmahq.org/
8. Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)
   Receive support and training on government contracting. PTACs offer guidance on commercial item determinations and other aspects of government procurement.
   Link:
   https://www.aptac-us.org/
9. Industry Standards and Market Research Databases
   Conduct thorough market research. Utilize industry standards (e.g., ISO, ANSI) and market research databases (e.g., Dun & Bradstreet, IBISWorld) to determine commercial item specifications and availability.
   Links:
   Various industry standards organizations and market research providers.
10. Contract Pricing Reference Guides
    Develop effective pricing strategies for commercial items. These guides, provided by the DoD and other agencies, cover cost analysis and negotiation tactics for commercial items.
    Link:
    https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/cpf/contract_pricing_reference_guides.html

Steps for Conducting a Commercial Item Determination

1. Understand Definitions and Policies: Start by reviewing FAR Parts 2.101 and 12 to grasp the definitions and policies related to commercial items.
   Links:
   https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-2-definition-words-and-terms#FAR_2_101
   https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-12-acquisition-commercial-products-and-commercial-services
2. Supplement with DFARS: Refer to DFARS Part 212 for DoD-specific regulations that may apply.
   Link:
   https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfarspgi/current/index.html
3. Utilize the DCMA Handbook: Follow the procedures outlined in the DCMA CID Handbook to ensure a thorough and accurate determination.
   Link:
   https://www.dcma.mil/Commercial-Item-Determinations/
4. Leverage DoD Guidebook: Incorporate best practices from the DoD Commercial Item Guidebook.
   Link:
   https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/cpic/dcaa/files/Commercial-Item-Guidebook.pdf
5. Conduct Market Research: Use GSA policies, industry standards, and market research databases to gather necessary data.
   Link:
   https://www.gsa.gov/buying-selling/purchasing-programs/gsa-schedules/gsa-schedule-policies-and-procedures
6. Seek Training and Resources: Take advantage of DAU courses and NCMA resources to enhance your knowledge and skills.
   Links:
   https://www.dau.edu/
   https://www.ncmahq.org/
7. Consult PTACs: For additional support, reach out to PTACs.
   Link:
   https://www.aptac-us.org/
8. Develop Pricing Strategies: Utilize Contract Pricing Reference Guides to establish fair and reasonable pricing.
   Link:
   https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/cpf/contract_pricing_reference_guides.html

By following these steps and utilizing these resources, you will be well-equipped to make informed and accurate commercial item determinations.