14.208 Amendment of invitation for bids
Source: FAR 14.208 on acquisition.gov
All changes or clarifications to an invitation for bids must be formally issued as amendments to ensure fair competition and adequate bidder notification.
Overview
FAR 14.208 outlines the procedures for amending an invitation for bids (IFB) in sealed bidding. When changes to the IFB—such as quantity, specifications, delivery schedules, or bid opening dates—are necessary, or if the original invitation is found to be defective or ambiguous, the contracting officer must issue an amendment using Standard Form 30. All recipients of the original IFB must receive the amendment before the bid opening, and it must also be displayed in the bid room. The regulation emphasizes that merely mentioning changes at a pre-bid conference does not substitute for a formal amendment. Contracting officers must also consider whether the bid opening date should be extended to allow bidders adequate time to respond to amendments. Additionally, any information provided to one prospective bidder that is necessary for bid preparation or could affect competition must be shared with all prospective bidders via an amendment. No contract award can be made unless all necessary amendments have been issued in time for bidders to consider them.
(a) If it becomes necessary to make changes in quantity, specifications, delivery schedules, opening dates, etc., or to correct a defective or ambiguous invitation, such changes shall be accomplished by amendment of the invitation for bids using https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/amendment-solicitationmodification-contract" target="_blank">Standard Form 30, Amendment of Solicitation/ Modification of Contract. The fact that a change was mentioned at a pre-bid conference does not relieve the necessity for issuing an amendment. Amendments shall be sent, before the time for bid opening, to everyone to whom invitations have been furnished and shall be displayed in the bid room.
(b) Before amending an invitation for bids, the contracting officer shall consider the period of time remaining until bid opening and the need to extend this period.
(c) Any information given to a prospective bidder concerning an invitation for bids shall be furnished promptly to all other prospective bidders as an amendment to the invitation (1) if such information is necessary for bidders to submit bids or (2) if the lack of such information would be prejudicial to uninformed bidders. The information shall be furnished even though a pre-bid conference is held. No award shall be made on the invitation unless such amendment has been issued in sufficient time to permit all prospective bidders to consider such information in submitting or modifying their bids.