52.247-4
Inspection of Shipping and Receiving Facilities
Offerors are strongly encouraged to inspect shipping and receiving facilities before bidding to ensure accurate and realistic proposals for transportation-related contracts.
Overview
FAR 52.247-4, "Inspection of Shipping and Receiving Facilities," is a solicitation provision used when the government wants offerors to inspect shipping, receiving, or other relevant sites before submitting bids for transportation or transportation-related services. The provision encourages offerors to visit the specified locations to assess all conditions that could impact the cost and execution of contract performance. The solicitation will specify the dates, times, and locations for these site visits, and provide a point of contact for further information. This helps ensure that bids are realistic and based on a clear understanding of the work environment.
Key Rules
- Encouragement of Site Inspection
- Offerors are strongly urged to inspect the relevant facilities to understand all conditions that may affect contract costs and performance.
- Scheduled Site Visits
- The solicitation will list specific dates, times, and locations for site visits to facilitate offeror inspections.
- Point of Contact Provided
- Offerors are given a contact name and telephone number for further information about the site visits or facilities.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must include this provision in applicable solicitations and provide detailed site visit information and a contact person.
- Contractors/Offerors: Should attend site visits to fully understand site conditions and factor them into their bids.
- Agencies: Must coordinate and facilitate site visits and respond to offeror inquiries.
Practical Implications
- This provision exists to reduce the risk of misunderstandings or unforeseen costs by ensuring offerors have firsthand knowledge of the facilities.
- It helps prevent disputes or claims related to site conditions after contract award.
- Offerors who do not inspect the sites may submit less accurate or higher-risk bids, potentially affecting their competitiveness.