---
kind: "section"
citation: "48 C.F.R. § 514.270-2"
title: "48"
number: "514.270-2"
heading: "Guidelines for use."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/48/514.270-2"
---

# §514.270-2. Guidelines for use.

- (a) **GSA usually solicits prices and reserves the right to make award for individual line items.** In some cases it serves GSA's best interest to combine two or more line items for an aggregate award. Such cases include when:
  - (1) Users desire uniformity of design, style, and finish (e.g., suites of household furniture).
  - (2) The articles will be assembled and used as a unit, and different manufacturers' components may not be interchangeable.
  - (3) Users have high demand for certain articles, but demand for related articles is insufficient to attract competitive bids (e.g., various sized of socket wrenches). Awarding the low-demand articles in conjunction with the high-demand articles may encourage competition.
  - (4) Awarding the low-demand articles in conjunction with the high-demand articles may encourage competition.
  - (5) One location (delivery point) has a large requirement, and another location has a requirement too small to individually attract competitive bids.
  - (6) **Awarding and administering numerous small contracts for similar articles or services is impractical.**
- (b) Before deciding to combine items for aggregate award, the contracting officer should consider the following factors:
  - (1) The capability of bidders to furnish the types and quantities of supplies or services in the aggregate.
  - (2) How grouping delivery points will affect bidders.
  - (3) Which combinations will accurately project the lowest overall cost to the Government.
- (c) The contracting officer should not use an aggregate award if it will significantly restrict the number of eligible bidders.

## Notes

### Amendments

[64 FR 37211, July 9, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 47739, Sept. 17, 2009]

### Authority

Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c).

### Source

Source: 64 FR 37211, July 9, 1999, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[64 FR 37211, July 9, 1999, as amended at 74 FR 47739, Sept. 17, 2009]