2-19.3 Consideration of Options

Options need not be evaluated to award a contract when:

• The option would have no effect on the outcome of the evaluation (when the option quantity must be offered at the same price as the basic quantity, the option is for a time extension only, or the option is unpriced); or
• When there is a reasonable certainty that funds will not be available to exercise the option.

When options will not be evaluated, the contract file must contain the rationale for the decision. When the purchase⁄SCM team decides before issuing the solicitation that options will not be evaluated, the solicitation must include Provision 2-4: Evaluation Exclusive of Options, or Provision 2-5: Evaluation Exclusive of Unpriced Options. In all other cases, the purchase⁄SCM team must follow the instructions in paragraph b of Provision 4-2: Evaluation, or include Provision 2-3: Evaluation of Options, in the RFP.