Commercial Item Descriptions (CIDs) are simplified product descriptions that concisely describe salient characteristics of commercial product. CIDs are official U.S. Government procurement documents that are 1) uniquely numbered in a Federal series; 2) prominently dated for easy reference; and 3) appropriately titled (according to current Federal labeling policies).

CIDs are prepared by knowledgeable Government specialists. CIDs undergo a revision every five years or when the market dictates. When CIDs come up for review, they are subsequently revised, validated, or canceled, as time and resources permit.

In cooperation with Federal/State agencies, FQAS obtains user needs. FQAS conducts Market Research and Analysis (MR&A). MR&A is the process that validates user needs, analyzes the range and quality of available commercial products, and determines whether the identified commercial products meet user needs. MR&A can usually be conducted in area supermarkets. Information is analyzed to determine common ingredients that are identified and incorporated in the final CID.