52.214-16
Minimum Bid Acceptance Period
Bidders must allow at least the specified minimum acceptance period for their bids to be considered, or risk automatic rejection.
Overview
FAR 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period, establishes the minimum number of calendar days that a bidder must allow the Government to accept their bid after the bid opening date. This provision is used in invitations for bids (IFBs), except for construction contracts, when the contracting officer determines a minimum acceptance period is necessary. It ensures that all bidders are bound to their offers for a specified period, allowing the Government sufficient time to evaluate bids and make an award decision.
Key Rules
- Definition of Acceptance Period
- The acceptance period is the number of calendar days the Government has to award a contract from the bid receipt date.
- Superseding Language
- This provision overrides any conflicting acceptance period language elsewhere in the solicitation.
- Minimum Acceptance Period Requirement
- The Government specifies a minimum number of days (inserted by the contracting officer) that bids must remain valid.
- Bidder Option for Longer Period
- Bidders may specify a longer acceptance period if desired.
- Rejection of Shorter Periods
- Bids offering less than the minimum acceptance period will be rejected.
- Bidder’s Obligation
- Bidders are obligated to perform if their bid is accepted within the stated or extended acceptance period.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must insert the required minimum acceptance period and ensure compliance.
- Contractors/Bidders: Must allow at least the minimum acceptance period or risk rejection; may offer a longer period.
- Agencies: Must enforce the provision and reject non-compliant bids.
Practical Implications
- Ensures fairness and consistency in bid validity periods.
- Prevents bidders from withdrawing offers prematurely.
- Common pitfall: bidders failing to meet the minimum period, resulting in automatic rejection.