14.202-1 Bidding time
Source: FAR 14.202-1 on acquisition.gov
Contracting officers must provide a reasonable bidding period—at least 30 days when a synopsis is required—while considering factors that ensure fair competition and reasonable pricing.
Overview
FAR 14.202-1 establishes the requirements for determining the appropriate bidding time in sealed bidding procurements. The regulation mandates that contracting officers allow a reasonable period for prospective bidders to prepare and submit their bids, balancing the government's needs with fair competition. When a synopsis is required under FAR subpart 5.2, the minimum bidding time must be at least 30 calendar days between the solicitation's issuance and the bid opening. The section also outlines several factors that must be considered when setting the bidding time, such as urgency, complexity, anticipated subcontracting, use of presolicitation notices, geographic distribution of bidders, and normal transmittal times. These considerations are intended to prevent restricting competition or inflating prices due to insufficient preparation time.
(a) Policy. A reasonable time for prospective bidders to prepare and submit bids shall be allowed in all invitations, consistent with the needs of the Government. (For construction contracts, see 36.213-3(a).) A bidding time (i.e., the time between issuance of the solicitation and opening of bids) of at least 30 calendar days shall be provided, when synopsis is required by subpart 5.2.
(b) Factors to be considered. Because of unduly limited bidding time, some potential sources may be precluded from bidding and others may be forced to include amounts for contingencies that, with additional time, could be eliminated. To avoid unduly restricting competition or paying higher-than-necessary prices, consideration shall be given to such factors as the following in establishing a reasonable bidding time:
(1) Degree of urgency;
(2) Complexity of requirement;
(3) Anticipated extent of subcontracting;
(4) Whether use was made of presolicitation notices;
(5) Geographic distribution of bidders; and
(6) Normal transmittal time for both invitations and bids.