(a)  The contracting officer must communicate and collaborate with industry prior to receipt of proposal to the maximum extent practicable. Vendor engagement is key in providing sound solutions in support of the GSA mission and the missions of the customers served by GSA while promoting opportunities for small business. Communication and collaboration tools can be found in the Vendor Communication Plan at https://www.gsa.gov/forbusiness.

(b)  The contracting officer should partner with representatives of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) to structure opportunities for communicating and collaborating with industry.