14.503-2
Step two
Step two of two-step sealed bidding restricts price competition to technically qualified offerors and requires strict compliance with both solicitation and technical proposal requirements.
Overview
FAR 14.503-2 outlines the procedures for step two of the two-step sealed bidding process. This step is only open to offerors whose technical proposals were deemed acceptable in step one. The section details how invitations for bids (IFBs) are to be issued, what provisions must be included, and specific requirements for publicizing the opportunity and listing qualified firms. The goal is to ensure that only technically qualified bidders participate in the price competition, maintaining fairness and compliance with federal acquisition procedures.
Key Rules
- Issuance of Invitations for Bids (IFBs)
- IFBs in step two are sent only to offerors with acceptable technical proposals from step one.
- Required Provisions
- IFBs must include the provision prescribed in FAR 14.201-6(t).
- Compliance Statement
- IFBs must clearly state that bidders must comply with both the specifications and their own technical proposal.
- Publicizing Restrictions
- Step two IFBs are not to be synopsized or publicly posted as new acquisition opportunities on the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE).
- Listing Qualified Firms
- The names of firms with acceptable step one proposals are listed on the GPE for prospective subcontractors.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Issue IFBs only to qualified offerors, include required provisions, ensure compliance statements are prominent, and manage publicizing requirements.
- Contractors: Ensure compliance with both the specifications and their technical proposal when bidding.
- Agencies: List qualified firms on the GPE for subcontractor awareness.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures that only technically qualified firms compete on price, reducing risk of non-compliance or unqualified bids.
- Contractors must pay close attention to compliance with both the solicitation and their own technical proposal.
- Failure to follow these procedures can result in disqualification or protest.