Source Selection Strategy (LPTA vs. Trade-off Process)

FAR part 15 allows for two approaches to best value source selection the trade-off process or the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA). FAR 15.101. Best Value Continuum states that, in actions where the requirement is clearly definable and the risk of unsuccessful contract performance is minimal, cost or price may play a dominant role in source selection. The less definitive the requirement, the more development work required, or the greater the performance risk, the more technical or past performance considerations may play a dominant role in source selection. Then, review specifically FAR 15.101-2 regarding use of LPTA. DO NOT cut and paste from the regulations or other resources; use your own words.

1. When is LPTA or the trade-off process more appropriate? Is it possible to combine both LPTA and trade-off techniques in one source selection? If yes, under what circumstances would this combination be ideal?

2. What challenges do you face when using LPTA in trying to achieve best value?

3. Why was the FAR recently updated to limit the use of LPTA procurements?