XL EagleContracting Activity
Contracting Activity. A contracting activity is an office or element of an agency that has been given broad authority to carry out acquisition functions. Examples include an Army contracting command, a regional GSA office or a VA network contracting office. Each is led by a Head of the Contracting Activity, or HCA.
Within a contracting activity there are usually many contracting offices, each with contracting officers and specialists who handle individual buys.
Why it matters to a small contractor
Knowing the contracting activity behind a solicitation helps you target your marketing. Offices that buy your kind of work repeatedly are worth getting to know. Check their forecasts, attend their industry days and track their past awards.
Example
A grounds maintenance company notices that one regional contracting office has awarded six mowing contracts in two years. It adds that office to its watch list and sends its capability statement to the small business specialist there.
Contracting Activity: common questions
What is an HCA?
The Head of the Contracting Activity is the official with overall responsibility for managing the contracting activity, and certain approvals, such as some justifications, must go through the HCA or above.
How do I find which contracting activity issued a solicitation?
The notice on SAM.gov lists the department, sub-tier and office. The cover form also shows the issuing office.
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