FAR Subpart 15.5 requires certain preaward and postaward notices, and it allows a written postaward debriefing request within 3 days after award notice.
Summary
After Proposal Submission, What Notifications and Debriefing Rights Apply? FAR Subpart 15.5 requires certain preaward and postaward notices, and it allows a written postaward debriefing request within 3 days after award notice.
According to FAR Subpart 15.5, the post-submission process depends on whether the procurement uses competitive proposals or a covered combination of competitive procedures. In those cases, the contracting officer must promptly notify offerors when their proposals are excluded from the competitive range or otherwise removed from the competition, and the notice must state the basis for that decision and that proposal revisions will not be considered. For certain small-business programs, the contracting officer must also provide written preaward notice before award, after negotiations and responsibility determinations are complete, unless the urgency of the requirement requires award without delay or the contract is entered under the 8(a) program. After award, unsuccessful offerors in the competitive range must receive written notification within 3 days. That postaward notice includes basic award and competition information, but it cannot reveal protected cost or trade-secret information. If an offeror wants a postaward debriefing, it must submit a written request within 3 days after receiving award notice, and the debriefing should normally occur within 5 days of the request. The debriefing may explain the basis for the selection decision and award, but it cannot include point-by-point comparisons or prohibited information.
Determine whether FAR Subpart 15.5 applies to the acquisition, including covered competitive proposals and certain combination procedures.
If your proposal is excluded from the competitive range or a small-business notice applies, the contracting officer must notify you in writing.
After award, check the written notification for the required competition and award details that can be shared with unsuccessful offerors.
If you want a postaward debriefing, submit a written request within 3 days after receiving award notice.
Do not assume a delayed or accommodated debriefing automatically extends protest deadlines.
A delayed debriefing or an accommodated untimely request does not automatically extend protest deadlines, although a delayed debriefing can affect the timeliness of a later protest.