Pursue a bid when the solicitation method and evaluation factors match what you can deliver, and you can comply with the stated submission rules.
Summary
When should you pursue a federal opportunity under FAR bidding rules? Pursue a bid when the solicitation method and evaluation factors match what you can deliver, and you can comply with the stated submission rules.
Start with the solicitation method. According to FAR Part 14, sealed bidding requires invitations that describe the Government’s needs clearly, accurately, and completely, and it prohibits unnecessarily restrictive requirements that would unduly limit bidders. The process also requires publicizing the invitation, submitting sealed bids by the stated time and place, evaluating bids without discussions, and making award to the responsible bidder whose bid conforms to the invitation and is most advantageous. If the opportunity uses negotiated source selection instead, FAR 15.304 says the evaluation factors and significant subfactors must be tailored to the acquisition, support meaningful comparison, and reflect the key areas of importance and emphasis. Price or cost is evaluated in every source selection, with a limited DoD, NASA, and Coast Guard exception for certain multiple-award acquisitions. For a bid/no-bid decision, the strongest opportunities are the ones where the rules are clear, the evaluation factors are known, and you can compete on the stated terms without relying on discussions to fix gaps.
Confirm whether the solicitation uses sealed bidding or negotiated source selection, because the decision rules differ.
Check the stated factors and significant subfactors, and verify whether price or cost is part of the evaluation.
For sealed bidding, verify that you can submit a conforming bid by the stated deadline without relying on discussions.
Proceed when the solicitation is clear, the requirements are non-restrictive, and your offer can meet the published evaluation standard.
Under sealed bidding, bids are evaluated without discussions. If your submission depends on later clarification or revision, the opportunity may not fit a Part 14 process.