Subpart 14.4
Opening of Bids and Award of Contract
FAR Subpart 14.4 establishes the essential procedures for handling, opening, evaluating, and awarding sealed bids to ensure fairness and transparency in government contracting.
Overview
FAR Subpart 14.4 outlines the procedures and requirements for the opening of bids and the award of contracts under the sealed bidding process. This subpart covers the entire process from the receipt and safeguarding of bids, through the public opening and recording of bids, to the evaluation, rejection, correction of mistakes, and final award of the contract. It also addresses handling minor informalities, unreadable electronic bids, and the provision of information to bidders. The subpart ensures transparency, fairness, and integrity in the sealed bidding process, providing clear guidance for both contracting officers and bidders.
Key Rules
- Receipt and Safeguarding of Bids
- Bids must be securely received and protected until the official opening time.
- Opening and Recording of Bids
- Bids are publicly opened at the designated time and place, and all bids are recorded for transparency.
- Rejection of Bids
- Bids may be rejected for noncompliance with solicitation requirements or other valid reasons.
- Minor Informalities and Mistakes
- Procedures exist for handling minor bid irregularities and correcting certain mistakes in bids.
- Award of Contract
- The contract is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid conforms to the solicitation and is lowest in price.
- Information to Bidders
- Bidders are provided with relevant information regarding the outcome and details of the bidding process.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure secure handling, proper opening, accurate recording, fair evaluation, and timely award of bids; communicate with bidders as required.
- Contractors: Submit compliant bids by the deadline and respond to requests for clarification or correction.
- Agencies: Oversee the integrity and transparency of the sealed bidding process.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to ensure a fair, transparent, and auditable sealed bidding process.
- It impacts daily contracting by establishing strict procedures for bid handling and award decisions.
- Common pitfalls include mishandling of bids, improper rejection or acceptance, and failure to address bid mistakes or informalities correctly.