15.605 Content of unsolicited proposals
Source: FAR 15.605 on acquisition.gov
Unsolicited proposals must include detailed basic, technical, and supporting information to ensure objective and timely government evaluation.
Overview
FAR 15.605 outlines the required content for unsolicited proposals submitted to the government. The section specifies the information that offerors must include to ensure their proposals are considered objectively and efficiently. The requirements are divided into three main categories: basic information, technical information, and supporting information. Each category details specific data points, such as organizational details, technical objectives, personnel qualifications, pricing, contract preferences, and disclosures regarding conflicts of interest or prior agency contacts. This structure ensures that proposals are comprehensive, transparent, and provide evaluators with all necessary information to make informed decisions.
Key Rules
- Basic Information
- Include offeror’s name, address, organization type, contact personnel, proprietary data identification, submission date, and authorized signature.
- Technical Information
- Provide a concise title and abstract, detailed discussion of objectives and methods, key personnel bios, and required agency support.
- Supporting Information
- Detail proposed price/cost, proposal validity period, preferred contract type, project duration, organizational background, conflict of interest statements, and prior agency contacts.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure unsolicited proposals contain all required information before evaluation.
- Contractors: Must prepare and submit proposals with all specified content to facilitate timely and objective review.
- Agencies: Should provide clear guidance and ensure compliance with content requirements for unsolicited proposals.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to standardize unsolicited proposal submissions, reducing delays and incomplete evaluations.
- Contractors benefit by knowing exactly what information is required, minimizing the risk of rejection due to missing content.
- Common pitfalls include omitting key personnel details, failing to identify proprietary data, or not specifying the proposal validity period.
Unsolicited proposals should contain the following information to permit consideration in an objective and timely manner:
(a) Basic information including-
(1) Offeror’s name and address and type of organization; e.g., profit, nonprofit, educational, small business;
(2) Names and telephone numbers of technical and business personnel to be contacted for evaluation or negotiation purposes;
(3) Identification of proprietary data to be used only for evaluation purposes;
(4) Names of other Federal, State, or local agencies or parties receiving the proposal or funding the proposed effort;
(5) Date of submission; and
(6) Signature of a person authorized to represent and contractually obligate the offeror.
(b) Technical information including-
(1) Concise title and abstract (approximately 200 words) of the proposed effort;
(2) A reasonably complete discussion stating the objectives of the effort or activity, the method of approach and extent of effort to be employed, the nature and extent of the anticipated results, and the manner in which the work will help to support accomplishment of the agency’s mission;
(3) Names and biographical information on the offeror’s key personnel who would be involved, including alternates; and
(4) Type of support needed from the agency; e.g., Government property or personnel resources.
(c) Supporting information including-
(1) Proposed price or total estimated cost for the effort in sufficient detail for meaningful evaluation;
(2) Period of time for which the proposal is valid (a 6-month minimum is suggested);
(3) Type of contract preferred;
(4) Proposed duration of effort;
(5) Brief description of the organization, previous experience, relevant past performance, and facilities to be used;
(6) Other statements, if applicable, about organizational conflicts of interest, security clearances, and environmental impacts; and
(7) The names and telephone numbers of agency technical or other agency points of contact already contacted regarding the proposal.