Proposal evaluation
FAR 15.305 requires agencies to evaluate proposals strictly on solicitation criteria, thoroughly document findings, and fairly assess cost, technical, and past performance factors.
Overview
FAR 15.305 outlines the procedures and requirements for evaluating proposals in competitive negotiated procurements. It mandates that agencies assess proposals based solely on the factors and subfactors specified in the solicitation, using any appropriate rating method. The evaluation must be thoroughly documented, including strengths, weaknesses, and risks. Key areas of evaluation include cost or price, past performance, technical capability, and small business subcontracting. The regulation also addresses how to handle offerors with no past performance, the use of cost information, and the evaluation of joint ventures. The source selection authority retains the right to reject all proposals if it serves the Government’s best interest, and there are restrictions on the use of support contractor personnel in evaluations.
Key Rules
- Evaluation Based on Solicitation Criteria
- Proposals must be evaluated only on the factors and subfactors listed in the solicitation, using documented and consistent methods.
- Cost or Price Evaluation
- Price reasonableness is usually established by competition for fixed-price contracts; cost realism analysis is required for cost-reimbursement contracts.
- Past Performance Evaluation
- Agencies must consider the relevance, context, and trends of past performance, including for joint ventures and key personnel, and cannot penalize offerors with no relevant history.
- Technical Evaluation
- Technical proposals are assessed for ability to meet requirements, with results documented in the source selection records.
- Small Business Subcontracting
- Solicitations must favorably rate small business subcontracting plans as specified in FAR 15.304.
- Rejection of Proposals
- The authority to reject all proposals is reserved if it benefits the Government.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure evaluations are based on solicitation criteria, document all findings, and follow agency procedures for cost information and support contractor use.
- Contractors: Submit proposals addressing all specified factors, provide accurate past performance data, and comply with small business subcontracting requirements.
- Agencies: Oversee evaluation process, ensure compliance with documentation and procedural requirements, and manage support contractor involvement.
Practical Implications
- Ensures fairness and transparency in proposal evaluation.
- Requires thorough documentation to support award decisions and withstand protests.
- Contractors must carefully address all evaluation criteria and provide comprehensive past performance and subcontracting information.