52.214-24
Multiple Technical Proposals
FAR 52.214-24 allows and encourages offerors to submit multiple, distinct technical proposals in the first step of two-step sealed bidding, with each evaluated independently for acceptability.
Overview
FAR 52.214-24 addresses the submission of multiple technical proposals during the first step of a two-step sealed bidding process. This provision encourages offerors to present different basic technical approaches for consideration. Each proposal is evaluated independently, and the offeror is notified regarding the acceptability of each submission. The intent is to foster innovation and allow agencies to consider a range of technical solutions before moving to the second step, which typically involves price proposals from those whose technical approaches are deemed acceptable.
Key Rules
- Encouragement of Multiple Proposals
- Offerors are encouraged to submit more than one technical proposal, each representing a distinct technical approach.
- Separate Evaluation
- Each technical proposal is evaluated independently to determine its acceptability.
- Notification of Acceptability
- Offerors are notified as to whether each technical proposal is acceptable or not.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must include this provision in applicable solicitations and ensure each technical proposal is evaluated separately, with timely notification to offerors.
- Contractors: Should consider submitting multiple, distinct technical proposals to increase their chances of acceptance.
- Agencies: Must ensure fair and independent evaluation of each proposal and provide clear notifications to offerors.
Practical Implications
- This provision exists to encourage innovation and flexibility in technical solutions during the first step of two-step sealed bidding.
- Contractors can improve their competitive position by submitting multiple approaches.
- Common pitfalls include submitting similar proposals that do not represent distinct approaches or failing to track notifications for each submission.