How do you tell the difference between far part 12 and 15 contracts?

FAR Part 12 contracts are used for the acquisition of commercial items and services, emphasizing streamlined procedures and flexibility to encourage competition and innovation. In contrast, FAR Part 15 contracts govern the procurement of non-commercial items through competitive proposals, focusing on negotiated acquisitions and offering more detailed requirements for proposal evaluation and contract award. The primary distinction lies in the nature of the goods or services being procured: commercial versus non-commercial, which dictates the applicable regulations and acquisition process.