Explain what information to include in the solicitation
Solicitation
Understanding the requirements documents helps the Contracting Officer ensure the solicitation and subsequent award documents are consistent. Inputting information into the solicitation in the correct locations aids in eliminating misinterpretation by industry. Explain what information to include in the solicitation and from what requirements documents the information may be obtained.
The requirements below must be met for your paper to be accepted and graded:
Write between 500 – 750 words (approximately 2 – 3 pages) using Microsoft Word.
Use font size 12 and 1” margins.
Include cover page and reference page.
At least 60% of your paper must be original content/writing.
No more than 40% of your content/information may come from references.
Use at least one reference from outside the course material, one reference must be from EBSCOhost. Text book, lectures, and other materials in the course may be used, but are not counted toward the three reference requirement.
Cite all reference material (data, dates, graphs, quotes, paraphrased words, values, etc.) in the paper and list on a reference page in APA style.
References must come from sources such as, scholarly journals found in EBSCOhost, CNN, online newspapers such as, The Wall Street Journal, government websites, etc. Sources such as, Wikis, Yahoo Answers, eHow, blogs, etc. are not acceptable for academic writing.
A detailed explanation of how to cite a source using APA can be found here (link).
Download an example here.
Grading Criteria Assignments Maximum Points
Meets or exceeds established assignment criteria 40
Demonstrates an understanding of lesson concepts 20
Clearly presents well-reasoned ideas and concepts 30
Uses proper mechanics, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and APA style 10
Total
Below is some literature to assist
Understanding the Solicitation
Developing the solicitation is the responsibility of the Contracting Officer and unless otherwise authorized must follow the Uniform Contract Format (UCF). The UCF is the required format for acquisitions using FAR Part 14, Sealed Bidding, and FAR Part 15, Contracting by Negotiation.
The use of the UCF facilitates preparation of the solicitation and contract as well as reference to, and use of, those documents by bidders (FAR Part 14) and offerors (FAR Part 15). Parts I, II, III, and IV of the UCF are incorporated into the solicitation and resulting contract; Part IV of the UCF will only be incorporated into the solicitation and will not be a part of the resultant award (see Table 7).
The information provided in each section of the solicitation has purpose and meaning to the potential offerors.
The information provided in the solicitation is a result of market research a thorough understanding of the requirements documents, and knowledge of decisions made in the planning phase.
Section B should consist of contract line items or CLINs that represent those elements of the acquisition that can be defined and have a dollar value assigned.
These elements are derived from SOW or PWS, which is incorporated into Section C of the solicitation.
The source selection plan provides the information that defines the evaluation criteria to be used in selecting the best value to the Government. The evaluation factors are based on the important factors in the statement of work or performance work statement that lead to the successful completion of the project.
Part I
A Solicitation/Contract Form Optional Form (OF) 308
Standard Form (OF) 33
B Supplies or services and prices/cost Briefly describe the supplies or services
Deliverables: reports, manuals, etc.
C Description/specifications/statement of work SOO/SOW/PWS
Description or specification
D Packaging and marking Provide packing and marking requirements
E Inspection and acceptance Inspection, acceptance, quality assurance, reliability requirements
F Deliveries or performance Time, place, method of delivery or performance
G Contract administration data Accounting and appropriations data, required contract administration information and instructions
H Special contract requirements not included in Section I, Contract Clauses
Part II – Contract Clauses
I Contract clauses required by law and expected to be included in the resultant contract
Part III – List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments
J List of attachments Title, date, and number of pages for each attached document, exhibit, and attachments
Part IV Representations and Instructions
K Representations, certifications, and other statements of offerors or respondents Provisions that require representations, certifications, and submission of other information by offeror
L Instructions, conditions, and notices to offerors or respondents Provisions and other information and instructions to assist offerors in preparing proposals or responses to RFIs
M Evaluation factors for award identify all significant factors and any significant subfactors that will be considered in awarding the contract and their relative importance. Must state whether all evaluation factors are (1) significantly more important than cost or price; or (2) approximately equal to cost or price presented in Section M, Evaluation factors for award.
The evaluation criteria and factors, along with their relative importance, must not vary from the source selection plan. Section L, Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents (FAR Part 15) or Bidders (FAR Part 14), provides detailed information on how the Government wants the proposals or bids presented.
These instructions generally include page limitations, number of volumes, paper size, etc. The instructions are to assist the evaluation team by ensuring all the proposals/bids are developed consistently.
Finally, the Section H, Special contract requirements, contains further clarification of any special contract requirements that are not captured in any other section of the solicitation. Section I, clauses, must contain all the applicable clauses. The clauses included is determined by the type of contract and principal purpose of the acquisition. Upon award, only Section A though I will be incorporated into the resultant contract.
FAR PART 5 – PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS
FAR Part 5, Publicizing Contract Actions, prescribes the policies and procedures for publicizing contract opportunities and award information. Publicizing increases competition, broadens industry participation in meeting Government requirements, and assists small business concerns in obtaining contracts and subcontracts.
The Governmentwide point of entry (GPE) is http://www.fedbizopps.gov. The synopsis must describe the supplies or services to be acquired and any information necessary to obtain copies of the solicitation. For proposed contract actions not exceeding $15,000, but not exceeding $25,000 information must be disseminated in a public place. For acquisition proposed to exceed $25,000, the synopsis must be posted on the GPE.
Publicizing times are outlined in FAR Subpart 5.203. The Contracting Officer must post the presolicitation notice and synopsize a proposed contract action before issuing any resulting solicitation. Contracting Officer must synopsize through the GFE for contract awards exceeding $25,000 or an action greater than simplified action threshold unless the national security would be at risk. The Contracting Officers must transmit synopses of contract awards in the same manner in which they synopsized the synopses. After the release of the solicitation, the Contracting Officer will serve as the focal point for inquiries from actual or prospective offers.
HANDLING PROPOSALS
After receipt of proposals, the Contracting Officer controls exchanges with offerors in accordance with FAR 15.306. Proposals received shall be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure.
Officers are responsible for submitting proposals and revisions or modifications, so that they reach the Government office before the submission closeout date and time. Any proposal, revision or modification received after the cutoff date and time shall be marked ‘late’ and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late proposal would not unduly delay the acquisition or it was the only proposal received.
A late modification of an otherwise successful proposal that makes the proposal more favorable to the Government will be considered any time it is received. The Contracting Officer will notify any offeror of a late proposal, revisions, or modification. The late proposal that are not considered must be stored unopened until after award and then retained with the remaining unsuccessful offeror. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice at any time before award. Oral proposals can be withdrawn orally.
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