Step 1: Contextual Framework Pass (Facts)

Section Content:

Facts:
A government agency contacts 15 engineering firms to solicit their interest in, and a statement of expertise and capability to provide services in a highly specialized area of technical knowledge.
Eight firms responded affirmatively.
Two of the eight firms, A and B, stated that they had each made arrangements with Engineer X, a recognized expert in the technical subject matter and a principal in his own firm, to provide the highly specialized expertise and that they would themselves furnish all other services involved.
In actuality, these other services would be nominal in nature.
The firm of Engineer X was not on the original list of those contacted.
The government agency, concluding that Firms A and B would not make a substantial contribution to the work, then contacted Engineer X, advising him that two firms had indicated their intention to use him as a special technical consultant if awarded the contract and asked him if he would be interested in taking the contract on his own firm's account.
Engineer X responded by submitting his qualifications but not stating definitely if he would be willing to undertake the work as the prime professional.
The work to be performed is entirely within Engineer X's field of expertise and does not require services from firms other than those of Engineer X.