14.202-6
Final review of invitations for bids
Contracting officers must thoroughly review every invitation for bids before issuance to ensure clarity and prevent issues that could limit competition or result in nonresponsive bids.
Overview
FAR 14.202-6 requires that every invitation for bids (IFB) undergo a thorough final review before being issued. The purpose of this review is to identify and correct any discrepancies or ambiguities in the solicitation that could restrict competition or cause bidders to submit nonresponsive bids. The responsibility for conducting this review rests with the contracting officer, ensuring that the IFB is clear, complete, and compliant with all applicable regulations. This step is critical to promoting fair and open competition and minimizing the risk of bid protests or procurement delays due to unclear requirements.
Key Rules
- Thorough Review of IFBs
- Every IFB must be carefully examined for errors or unclear language before release.
- Responsibility of Contracting Officers
- Contracting officers are accountable for ensuring the review is completed and any issues are resolved.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must conduct and document a comprehensive review of each IFB to ensure clarity and compliance.
- Contractors: Should expect well-prepared, unambiguous IFBs that support fair competition.
- Agencies: Must support contracting officers in maintaining quality control over solicitations.
Practical Implications
- This requirement exists to prevent avoidable mistakes that could undermine the integrity of the bidding process.
- It helps ensure all potential bidders have a fair opportunity to compete and reduces the likelihood of receiving nonresponsive bids.
- Common pitfalls include overlooking ambiguous terms or failing to correct inconsistencies, which can lead to protests or delays.