Subpart 15.6
Unsolicited Proposals
FAR Subpart 15.6 establishes clear procedures and protections for submitting, evaluating, and negotiating unsolicited proposals, ensuring innovation while maintaining fairness and data security.
Overview
FAR Subpart 15.6 provides the regulatory framework for the submission, evaluation, and handling of unsolicited proposals in federal contracting. Unsolicited proposals are unique, innovative ideas or approaches submitted by contractors or vendors to federal agencies without a formal government solicitation. This subpart outlines the definitions, policies, required content, agency points of contact, evaluation criteria, prohibitions, and data use limitations associated with unsolicited proposals. It ensures that agencies have consistent procedures for reviewing and potentially negotiating such proposals while protecting proprietary information and maintaining fair competition.
Key Rules
- Scope and Definitions
- Establishes what constitutes an unsolicited proposal and clarifies key terms.
- Policy and General Guidance
- Sets forth the government's policy to encourage innovative proposals while ensuring fair and open competition.
- Agency Points of Contact
- Requires agencies to designate officials to receive and coordinate unsolicited proposals.
- Content Requirements
- Specifies the minimum information and documentation that must be included in an unsolicited proposal.
- Agency Procedures and Evaluation Criteria
- Details the steps agencies must follow to review, evaluate, and negotiate unsolicited proposals, including criteria for acceptance.
- Prohibitions and Data Use
- Prohibits certain actions (e.g., accepting proposals that duplicate current work) and restricts the use of proprietary data.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure proposals meet content and evaluation criteria, protect proprietary data, and follow agency procedures.
- Contractors: Must submit complete, original proposals and identify proprietary information.
- Agencies: Must designate points of contact, follow evaluation procedures, and safeguard proposal data.
Practical Implications
- Provides a pathway for vendors to present innovative solutions outside formal solicitations.
- Ensures agencies handle unsolicited proposals consistently and fairly.
- Protects proprietary information and prevents conflicts of interest or unfair advantage.