Procurement field guide

Market research is stronger when another reviewer can follow the record.

Public-sector market research should connect the requirement to the sources consulted, information gathered, limits encountered, conclusions supported, and decisions still requiring authorized review. Applicable rules remain procurement-specific.

Reviewed August 9, 2026

Practical guidance · Buyer decision support

Question

Start with the acquisition question the research must answer.

The research plan should state the requirement, decision stage, known constraints, information needed, and intended use of the findings. This prevents an unfocused supplier search from being mistaken for a complete market analysis.

Define the requirement and decision.
List assumptions and constraints.
Assign review ownership.

Sources

Record where information came from and when it was reviewed.

Sources may include official systems, supplier responses, existing contracts, industry publications, internal records, and outreach. The record should distinguish independently reviewed facts from supplier-provided or buyer-provided information.

Capture source URLs or documents.
Date material observations.
Label evidence status.

Finding

Connect findings to the evidence and its limitations.

The final record should explain what the research supports, what remains uncertain, and what additional action is required. It should not imply eligibility, competition, price reasonableness, or compliance beyond the documented review.

Show the evidence trail.
State limitations plainly.
Keep authorized determinations separate.

Evidence trail

Official sources

Use the current source and the requirements that apply to the specific purchase or opportunity.

Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 10: Market Research

Bring the record into view

Continue the decision

Use this guide to organize the next step, then bring the requirement, supplier field, quotes, or unresolved risk to the procurement desk.

Discuss a government requirement