What must a contractor obtain if they have an approved purchasing system and wish to form subcontracts?

In the context of federal contracting, when a contractor has an approved purchasing system and wishes to form subcontracts, they are required to obtain consent for those subcontracts. This reflects a principle of federal acquisition regulation that aims to ensure oversight and accountability in the procurement process. The necessity for consent ensures that the government can evaluate whether the subcontracting aligns with the original contract terms and conditions.

By requiring consent, the contracting officer gains visibility into the contractor's plans for leveraging subcontractor resources, which facilitates effective management and oversight of contract performance. This process ensures that any risks associated with subcontracting are managed and that subcontractors meet the necessary qualifications and capabilities in accordance with federal standards.

Other options like obtaining approval from the contracting officer or requiring full disclosure of all subcontractors, although they might involve some necessary transparency and accountability, do not encapsulate the core requirement under the federal acquisition regulations related specifically to subcontracting in the context provided. The need for consent for subcontracts clearly delineates the responsibility of contractors to seek authorization before engaging with third parties to fulfill contract obligations.