Subpart 15.2
Solicitation and Receipt of Proposals and Information
FAR Subpart 15.2 establishes the rules and procedures for soliciting, receiving, and handling proposals in negotiated procurements, ensuring fairness, transparency, and competition.
Overview
FAR Subpart 15.2, "Solicitation and Receipt of Proposals and Information," provides the regulatory framework for how federal agencies solicit, receive, and handle proposals in negotiated procurements. This subpart covers the entire process from initial exchanges with industry, through the issuance and amendment of solicitations, to the receipt, handling, and modification of proposals. It also addresses the use of advisory multi-step processes, the required contract format, and the inclusion of specific solicitation provisions and contract clauses. The subpart ensures transparency, fairness, and consistency in the solicitation process, while protecting the integrity of proposal information and maintaining competition.
Key Rules
- Exchanges with Industry
- Agencies are encouraged to communicate with industry before proposals are received to promote understanding and competition.
- Issuing and Amending Solicitations
- Procedures for issuing, amending, and clarifying solicitations are established to ensure all potential offerors have equal access to information.
- Handling Proposals
- Strict rules govern the receipt, safeguarding, and modification of proposals to maintain confidentiality and fairness.
- Contract Format and Required Clauses
- Solicitations must follow prescribed formats and include mandatory provisions and clauses.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure solicitations are clear, amendments are communicated, and proposals are handled securely and fairly.
- Contractors: Must follow submission instructions, meet deadlines, and comply with solicitation requirements.
- Agencies: Oversee the process to ensure compliance with FAR and promote competition.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to standardize the solicitation and proposal process, reducing disputes and ensuring a level playing field.
- It impacts daily contracting by setting clear procedures for communication, submission, and handling of proposals.
- Common pitfalls include missed amendments, improper handling of proposals, and failure to follow submission instructions.