Does FAR 15.403-1(c)(1)(i)(B) and FAR 15.405(d) suggest that...

Prompt

Does FAR 15.403-1(c)(1)(i)(B) and FAR 15.405(d) suggest that if a contracting officer deems a proposed price, profit, or fee ‘unreasonable’—and all authorized actions (including alternative acquisitions) have failed—the matter should be referred to a higher-level official, who may then authorize an award at that ‘unreasonable’ price so long as it is documented? How does this interpretation align with the FAR’s overarching requirement to award contracts only at fair and reasonable prices? Is there guidance on how these provisions are intended to be applied in practice?