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100 direct answers to common questions about federal contracting, organized by what you need to know.
What happens after submission, evaluation, award procedures
Award without discussions means the government selects a winner based on initial proposals without negotiations. The solicitation must state this intent. Submit your best offer initially since there's no revision opportunity.
If no bids are received, the agency may extend the due date, modify requirements, change acquisition strategy, or cancel and resolicit. No-bid situations often indicate unrealistic requirements or poor market outreach.
Fair opportunity requires that all contractors on a multiple-award IDIQ vehicle have a fair chance to compete for task orders. Agencies must provide reasonable notice and opportunity to submit proposals for orders.
Corrective action is when an agency takes steps to fix procurement errors, often in response to a protest or internal review. Actions may include reevaluating proposals, reopening discussions, or resoliciting.
Yes. Pre-award protests challenge solicitation defects, evaluation criteria, or agency actions before contract award. They must be filed before the proposal due date for solicitation issues.
The Final Proposal Revision is your updated proposal submitted after discussions conclude, representing your best and final offer. It's your last opportunity to address weaknesses and improve your competitive position.
Generally no, unless the contracting officer opens discussions or requests a final proposal revision. Some procurements allow clarifications but not material proposal changes.
The Prompt Payment Act requires agencies to pay interest on late payments. Contractors can submit inquiries through the contracting officer. Unpaid invoices are rare but can be pursued through the Contract Disputes Act process.
Generally no. Federal contracts pay after delivery/performance through invoice submission. Limited advance payments are available in special circumstances. Progress payments provide interim financing for some contracts.
Award fee is calculated based on periodic performance evaluations against stated criteria. An Award Fee Determination Official rates performance and determines the percentage of available fee pool to pay.
The micro-purchase threshold is $10,000 for most purchases ($2,000 for construction). Purchases below this threshold can be made without competition, often via government purchase cards.
The Simplified Acquisition Threshold is currently $250,000 for most procurements. Contracts below this threshold can use streamlined procedures with reduced competition requirements.
Option years are priced in the original proposal but only exercised and funded at the government's discretion. Total contract value typically includes option year pricing, though options aren't guaranteed to be exercised.
The estimated value represents the government's projection of what the contract will cost based on their requirements analysis, market research, and budget planning. It helps contractors assess opportunity size.
Contracting officers use techniques like price comparison, market research, parametric analysis, and cost analysis to determine if prices are fair and reasonable.
Unsuccessful offerors in negotiated procurements can request debriefings. Pre-award debriefings are available if excluded from competitive range; post-award debriefings after contract award.
Some solicitations include oral presentations where your team presents to evaluators. They're evaluated like written volumes and can substitute for or supplement written proposals.
Yes, the government can cancel solicitations before award for valid reasons such as changed requirements, budget issues, or lack of competition.
Task orders are competed among IDIQ holders via "fair opportunity" - all holders get notice and chance to submit unless an exception applies.
Before award, contracting officers verify the winning contractor is "responsible" - has adequate financial resources, capability, record of integrity, and is otherwise qualified.
Our comprehensive guides provide step-by-step instructions for every aspect of government contracting.