Regulatory requirements for the acquisition process are set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and are supplemented in the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR). FAR 1.301 provides for the issuance of additional internal agency guidance, including designations and delegations of authority, assignments of responsibilities, work-flow procedures, and internal reporting requirements. The DOE Acquisition Guide serves this purpose by identifying relevant internal standard operating procedures to be followed by both procurement and program personnel who are involved in various aspects of the acquisition process. The Guide also is intended to be a repository of best practices found throughout the agency that reflect specific illustrations of techniques which ' might be helpful to all readers. Additionally, the Guide includes subject matter that was issued previously through other media, such as Acquisition Letters.

The Acquisition Guide consists of chapters that correspond to the DEAR and FAR Parts, and includes the following types of material:

Standard Operating Procedures - for procurement and program personnel to follow in performing various acquisition functions.

Guiding Principles - essential objectives that, when satisfied, provide a measure of the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement systems.

Best Practices - practical techniques to be followed by program and procurement
offices.

Samples - forms and other useful documentation.

The Guide is intended to serve as a primer on various acquisition issues, and may not present lengthy discussion on every subject. Users are encouraged to consult other material that is referenced in each section of the Guide for supplemental information.

The Acquisition Guide will be issued and maintained by the Office of Procurement and Assistance Policy and will be amended to add material or to revise existing material as necessary. Questions regarding specific topics in the Guide may be directed to Richard Langston (202) 586-8247.