The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified a way to speed the procurement of supplies and services to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19): Designate them as commercial items under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

On March 30, 2020, the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) issued a class Commercial Item Determination (CID) designating the following supplies and services as meeting the definition of “commercial item” to the extent they are procured in response to COVID-19:

• Efforts associated with R&D or procurement of FDA-approved vaccines and antiviral medications that inoculate against or treat COVID-19. These are deemed “commercial” because they are being “developed by private institutions for the use and procurement by private entities (Hospitals).”
• Efforts associated with establishing and setting up temporary booths, testing stations, or hospitals. This includes procurement of temporary tents or booths, and the services associated with manning such stations, but does not include procurement of real property.
• Emergency medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment and ventilators, and services for COVID-19 relief efforts.
• Facility-related services, such as efforts to “mothball” a building for long-term or permanent closure, or deep cleaning and remediation services.

Click here to read the full blog post on Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for Businesses.