UMUC Acquisition Process Discussions

I’m working on a business discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Question 1

How do you define “best value” when buying on behalf of someone else? What purchases have you made that you used a tradeoff method for (were willing to consider non-price factors more important than price)? What purchases are appropriate for a low-price, technically acceptable approach? Why the difference?

Question 2

How does early engagement with industry improve the overall acquisition process? Are there any disadvantages or risks associated with industry exchanges? How can these disadvantages or risks be mitigated?

Question 3

What might lead a contractor to use a “buying in” strategy when pricing its offer? Is “buying in” by offering a “below market value” price illegal or prohibited? What should be your primary concern when analyzing such a low price?

Quesrion 4

How do negotiations for government contracts differ from those in the private sector? What traits make for a good government negotiator?