15.602 Policy
Source: FAR 15.602 on acquisition.gov
The Government encourages submission of innovative ideas, including those outside existing solicitations, through the unsolicited proposal process.
Overview
FAR 15.602 establishes the Government's policy to actively encourage the submission of new and innovative ideas from the public, particularly in response to various research and development solicitations such as Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topics, Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) topics, and Program Research and Development Announcements. If an idea does not fit within the scope of these publicized topics or programs, it may still be submitted as an unsolicited proposal. This policy is designed to ensure that the Government remains open to innovative solutions and technologies that may not have been anticipated in formal solicitations.
Key Rules
- Encouragement of Innovation
- The Government seeks and welcomes new and innovative ideas through various formal and informal channels.
- Unsolicited Proposals
- Ideas not covered by existing solicitations or program topics can be submitted as unsolicited proposals for consideration.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must be receptive to innovative proposals and ensure proper handling of unsolicited proposals.
- Contractors: Should review current solicitations but may submit unsolicited proposals if their ideas do not fit existing topics.
- Agencies: Should maintain processes to receive and evaluate unsolicited proposals.
Practical Implications
- This policy ensures the Government does not miss out on valuable innovations that fall outside current program scopes.
- Contractors have a pathway to present unique solutions even when no specific solicitation exists.
- Common pitfalls include misunderstanding what qualifies as an unsolicited proposal or failing to check for existing relevant solicitations first.
It is the policy of the Government to encourage the submission of new and innovative ideas in response to Broad Agency Announcements, Small Business Innovation Research topics, Small Business Technology Transfer Research topics, Program Research and Development Announcements, or any other Government-initiated solicitation or program. When the new and innovative ideas do not fall under topic areas publicized under those programs or techniques, the ideas may be submitted as unsolicited proposals.