14.202-3
Bid envelopes
Government-paid postage or envelopes must not be provided to bidders, and agencies may use Optional Form 17 to ensure proper bid identification and handling.
Overview
FAR 14.202-3 addresses the requirements for bid envelopes in sealed bidding procedures. It prohibits the distribution of postage or envelopes with "Postage and Fees Paid" indicia to prospective bidders, ensuring that government resources are not used for bidder submissions. Additionally, it allows agencies to provide Optional Form 17, Offer Label, with each bid set to facilitate the identification and proper handling of bids. This form can be obtained from the General Services Administration, as referenced in FAR 53.107. The regulation aims to standardize bid submission practices and prevent misuse of government postage while promoting efficient bid processing.
Key Rules
- Prohibition on Government Postage
- Agencies must not provide postage or envelopes marked with "Postage and Fees Paid" to bidders.
- Use of Optional Form 17
- Agencies may include Optional Form 17, Offer Label, with bid sets to help identify and process bids efficiently.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure no government-paid postage or envelopes are distributed; consider providing Optional Form 17 for bid identification.
- Contractors: Use their own postage and envelopes for bid submission; utilize provided Offer Label if supplied.
- Agencies: Obtain Optional Form 17 from GSA if used; oversee compliance with envelope and postage rules.
Practical Implications
- This section prevents improper use of government resources for bid submissions and supports secure, efficient bid handling. Contractors must be prepared to use their own mailing materials, and agencies can streamline bid processing by using standardized labels. Common pitfalls include inadvertently supplying government-paid envelopes or failing to clearly mark bids for identification.