15.606
Agency procedures
Agencies must establish secure, documented procedures and designated contacts to properly receive, evaluate, and protect unsolicited proposals, especially those containing proprietary information.
Overview
FAR 15.606 outlines the requirements for federal agencies to establish formal procedures for managing unsolicited proposals. These procedures must ensure proper control over the receipt, evaluation, and timely disposition of such proposals, with particular attention to safeguarding proprietary or restricted data submitted by offerors. Agencies are also required to designate specific points of contact responsible for coordinating the handling of unsolicited proposals, as referenced in FAR 15.604. This section is designed to ensure consistency, security, and efficiency in the processing of unsolicited proposals across all federal agencies.
Key Rules
- Establishment of Procedures
- Agencies must create and implement procedures for receiving, evaluating, and disposing of unsolicited proposals, ensuring compliance with Subpart 15.6.
- Protection of Proposal Material
- Procedures must include controls to prevent unauthorized reproduction, use, or disclosure of proposal materials, especially those marked with restrictions by the offeror.
- Designation of Points of Contact
- Agencies must assign specific personnel or offices to serve as points of contact for unsolicited proposals, facilitating proper coordination and handling.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure agency procedures are followed and that proprietary data is protected.
- Contractors: Clearly mark any proprietary or restricted data in their unsolicited proposals.
- Agencies: Develop, document, and enforce procedures; designate points of contact; and safeguard proposal materials.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to protect sensitive information and ensure fair, efficient processing of unsolicited proposals.
- It impacts daily operations by requiring agencies to have clear, secure processes and designated personnel for handling such proposals.
- Common pitfalls include failure to protect proprietary data or lack of clear agency procedures, which can lead to unauthorized disclosure or mishandling of proposals.