FAR Part 14 Flashcards
Sealed Bidding
Overview of Sealed Bidding
Definition and Scope
Sealed bidding is a method of contracting that involves the submission of competitive bids,
public opening of bids, and awarding contracts. (FAR 14.101)
It is used for acquiring supplies and services, including construction. (FAR 14.000)
Overview of Sealed Bidding
Elements of Sealed Bidding (FAR 14.101)
Preparation of invitations for bids.
Publicizing the invitation.
Submission of bids.
Evaluation of bids without discussions.
Contract award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Use of Sealed Bidding
General Policy
Mandatory Use (FAR 14.103-1)
Sealed bidding shall be used whenever conditions in FAR 6.401(a) are met.
Suitable for classified acquisitions if agency security requirements are not violated.
Use of Sealed Bidding
Limitations and Contract Types
Limitations (FAR 14.103-2)
o No awards unless bids have been solicited and submitted as required.
o Contracts are awarded only to responsible bidders whose bids are most advantageous.
Types of Contracts (FAR 14.104)
o Firm-fixed-price contracts.
o Fixed-price contracts with economic price adjustment clauses if authorized.
Part 14 - Sealed Bidding 14.2 Solicitation of Bids
14.2 Solicitation of Bids
Preparation of Invitations (FAR 14.201)
Invitations must clearly describe the requirements and avoid unnecessarily restrictive specifications.
Part 14 - Sealed Bidding 14.2 Solicitation of Bids
14.2 Solicitation of Bids
Uniform Contract Format (FAR 14.201-1)
Use the uniform contract format to facilitate preparation and reference.
Part 14 - Sealed Bidding 14.2 Solicitation of Bids
14.2 Solicitation of Bids
Essential Provisions (FAR 14.201-6)
Amendments to Invitations for Bids (FAR 52.214-3).
False Statements in Bids (FAR 52.214-4).
Submission of Bids (FAR 52.214-5).
Explanation to Prospective Bidders (FAR 52.214-6).
Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Bids (FAR 52.214-7).
Part 14 - Sealed Bidding
14.3 Submission of Bids
Bid Submission Rules
Responsiveness of Bids (FAR 14.301)
o Bids must comply in all material respects with the invitation for bids.
o Non-compliance results in rejection.
Submission Guidelines (FAR 14.302)
o Bids must be submitted by the exact time specified. o Various transmission methods allowed if specified.
Modifications and Withdrawals
Modification and Withdrawal Conditions (FAR 14.303)
o Bids can be modified or withdrawn before the opening time.
o Specific protocols for handling facsimile and electronic bids (FAR 14.304).
Late Bids (FAR 14.304)
o Generally not considered unless specific criteria are met.
Part 14 - Sealed Bidding
Public Bid Opening Procedures
General Procedures (FAR 14.402-1)
o Bids are publicly opened at the time and place stated in the invitation.
o All bids are read aloud and recorded for transparency.
Classified Bids (FAR 14.402-2)
o Separate protocols for classified bids to ensure security.
Postponement and Recording
Postponement of Openings (FAR 14.402-3)
o May be postponed due to delays or emergencies.
Recording of Bids (FAR 14.403)
o Detailed recording of bids received to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Contract Award (FAR 14.408-1)
Awarded to the lowest responsible bidder whose bid conforms to the invitation
Part 14 - Sealed Bidding 14.5 Two-Step Sealed Bidding
Step One Procedures
Request for Technical Proposals (FAR 14.503-1)
o Includes a detailed description of requirements, criteria, and submission guidelines.
o Technical proposals are evaluated on merit without pricing.
Evaluation (FAR 14.503-1)
o Proposals categorized as acceptable, reasonably susceptible of being made acceptable, or unacceptable.
Step Two Procedures
Invitation for Sealed Priced Bids (FAR 14.503-2)
o Issued only to those with acceptable technical proposals.
o Bids are evaluated, and awards are made based on the criteria in subparts 14.3 and 14.4.
Sealed bidding
A method of contracting that employs competitive bids, public bid opening, and awards
Award is made to that responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the invitation for bids, wil be most advantageous to the government considering only price and price-related factors included in the invitation
Sealed bid
Adocument enclosed ni a glued (sealed) envelope and submitted ni response to an invitation for bids
Steps in sealed bidding
Step :1 Preparation of invitations for bids
Step 2: Publicizing the solicitation
Step 3: Submission of sealed bids
Step 4: Bid evaluation
Step 5: Award of contract
What Is Sealed Bidding?
Award is made to the responsible bidder whose bid is
responsive to the terms of the invitation for bids and is
most advantageous to the government, considering only price and price-related factors included in the invitation.
When Is Sealed Bidding Used?
Sealed bidding is appropriate when:
Time permits the solicitation, submission, and evaluation of sealed bids
The award will be made on the basis of price and other price-related factors
It is not necessary to conduct discussions with the
offerors responding
There is a reasonable expectation of receiving more
than one sealed bid
Time permits the solicitation, submission, and evaluation of sealed bids
The award will be made on the basis of price and other price-related factors
It is not necessary to conduct discussions with the
offerors
responding
There is a reasonable expectation of receiving more
than one sealed bid
When Is Sealed Bidding Used?
Appropriate contract types for sealed bidding
Firm-fixed-price
Fixed-price with economic
price adjustment
May be used for classified acquisitions fi its use does not violate agency security requirements
Preparing the Invitation for Bids
Section A Solicitation/contract form
Section B Supplies or services and prices/costs
Section C Description / specifications / statement of work
Section D Packaging and marking
Section E Inspection and acceptance
Section F Deliveries or performance
Section G Contract administration data
Section H Special contract requirements