Discussions

Discussions are negotiations between the contracting officer and offerors in the competitive range conducted to maximize the government's ability to obtain the best value. During discussions, the contracting officer must identify deficiencies, significant weaknesses, and adverse past performance information to which the offeror has not yet had an opportunity to respond. The government must conduct discussions with all offerors in the competitive range and treat them fairly. Discussions may address any aspect of the proposal including price, technical approach, terms and conditions, and past performance. Discussions are distinguished from clarifications (limited exchanges that do not give offerors opportunity to revise proposals) and communications (exchanges before competitive range is established). After discussions, offerors submit final proposal revisions.