15.202
Advisory multi-step process
The advisory multi-step process allows agencies to provide early feedback to potential offerors on their competitiveness, but all respondents retain the right to participate in the acquisition.
Overview
FAR 15.202 outlines the advisory multi-step process, which allows agencies to issue a presolicitation notice inviting potential offerors to submit information for preliminary evaluation. The purpose is to help both the government and offerors determine the likelihood of being viable competitors before a formal solicitation. The notice must specify what information is required and the evaluation criteria, enabling offerors to make informed decisions about participating. Agencies must evaluate all responses per the stated criteria and provide written feedback, indicating whether offerors are likely to be viable competitors. Importantly, all respondents retain the right to participate in the acquisition, regardless of the agency's advice.
Key Rules
- Presolicitation Notice Requirements
- Agencies may issue a notice describing the acquisition and requesting specific information from potential offerors, including qualifications and other relevant data.
- Evaluation and Written Advice
- Agencies must evaluate submissions based on published criteria and provide written advice to each respondent about their competitive viability, including general reasons if not considered viable.
- Right to Participate
- All respondents, regardless of the agency's advice, may still participate in the acquisition process.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure presolicitation notices are clear, specify required information and criteria, and provide written feedback to all respondents.
- Contractors: Should submit requested information accurately and use agency feedback to inform their decision to participate.
- Agencies: Must evaluate responses fairly and communicate results in writing, including reasons for non-viability.
Practical Implications
- This process helps streamline acquisitions by identifying viable competitors early, saving time and resources for both agencies and contractors. However, agencies must avoid duplicative information requests and ensure transparency in their evaluations. Contractors should use the feedback to assess their competitiveness but are not barred from participating if advised otherwise.