When must cost or price be evaluated in acquisitions under FAR part 15?

In acquisitions governed by FAR part 15, cost or price must be evaluated in every acquisition where there is a competitive procurement. This requirement ensures that the government pays a fair and reasonable price for the goods or services being acquired. Far part 15 emphasizes the need for a cost or price evaluation to establish a proper baseline for comparison among offers, ensuring that all offers can be assessed on an equal footing.

This process typically involves analyzing various factors such as estimated costs, proposed prices, and the overall technical solution offered by vendors. By evaluating cost or price in all applicable acquisitions, the contracting officer can better determine the most advantageous offer from a value standpoint, balancing both cost and technical merit.

In contrast, the other answer choices could imply limitations or exceptions that do not align with the broader evaluation mandates described in FAR part 15. For instance, suggesting that evaluation only occurs in sole-source acquisitions or in contracts above a certain dollar threshold would overlook the importance of this evaluation in both competitive and various contractual scenarios outlined in FAR guidance.