15.606-1
Receipt and initial review
Agencies must screen unsolicited proposals against specific criteria before evaluation, and promptly notify offerors of acceptance or rejection with reasons.
Overview
FAR 15.606-1 outlines the procedures agencies must follow when receiving and initially reviewing unsolicited proposals. The agency contact point is responsible for determining whether the proposal meets specific criteria before a comprehensive evaluation is initiated. These criteria include verifying the proposal's validity, relevance to agency needs and mission, sufficiency of technical and cost information, merit, proper authorization, and compliance with marking requirements. If the proposal meets all requirements, the agency must acknowledge receipt and process it. If not, the agency must promptly notify the offeror in writing, explaining the reasons for rejection and the proposal's disposition.
Key Rules
- Initial Screening of Unsolicited Proposals
- The agency contact point must verify that the proposal meets seven specific criteria before proceeding to a full evaluation.
- Prompt Acknowledgment or Rejection
- Proposals meeting requirements are acknowledged and processed; those that do not are rejected with written explanation to the offeror.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure proposals are screened for compliance with all listed criteria before evaluation.
- Contractors: Submit proposals that are complete, authorized, and properly marked, with sufficient technical and cost information.
- Agencies: Provide timely written feedback to offerors regarding acceptance or rejection and next steps.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures only valid, relevant, and complete unsolicited proposals are considered, saving agency resources and providing clarity to offerors.
- Contractors should carefully review submission requirements to avoid rejection.
- Common pitfalls include missing information, lack of proper authorization, or failure to comply with marking requirements.