14.407-1
General
Contracting officers must identify and resolve any suspected bid mistakes with bidders before awarding a contract to ensure fairness and accuracy in the sealed bidding process.
Overview
FAR 14.407-1 outlines the procedures contracting officers must follow when reviewing bids for mistakes after bid opening but before contract award. The regulation requires contracting officers to carefully examine all bids for errors and, if a mistake is suspected or apparent, to request verification from the bidder. If the bidder confirms a mistake, the contracting officer must process the situation according to the procedures in FAR 14.407. All actions regarding bid mistakes must be completed prior to awarding the contract, ensuring fairness and accuracy in the sealed bidding process.
Key Rules
- Examination of Bids for Mistakes
- Contracting officers must review all bids for possible mistakes after opening.
- Request for Bid Verification
- If a mistake is suspected, the contracting officer must ask the bidder to verify the bid and highlight the suspected error.
- Processing Alleged Mistakes
- If a bidder claims a mistake, the contracting officer must follow the procedures in FAR 14.407 before making an award.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must examine bids for mistakes, request verification when necessary, and process alleged mistakes per FAR 14.407 before award.
- Contractors: Must respond to verification requests and disclose any mistakes if identified.
- Agencies: Ensure contracting officers follow proper procedures to maintain integrity in the bidding process.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures that mistakes in bids are identified and addressed before contract award, protecting both the government and bidders from unintended errors.
- It helps prevent disputes and contract performance issues arising from uncorrected bid mistakes.
- Common pitfalls include failing to request verification when a mistake is suspected or not following the prescribed procedures for handling alleged mistakes.