Glossary

Solicitations

The structure of a federal solicitation itself, from the pre-RFP signals (sources sought, RFI, draft RFP) through the standard Sections A through M and the award mechanics (amendment, competitive range, best and final offer, final proposal revision). Written for proposal professionals decoding a solicitation document section by section.

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Amendment

A change to a published solicitation before contract award.

Best and Final Offer

In a negotiated procurement, the contractor's final revised proposal after government discussions.

Broad Agency Announcement

Competitive solicitation for basic and applied research proposals.

Competitive Range Determination

Contracting officer's decision identifying which proposals continue in the competitive process.

Draft Request for Proposal

A preliminary RFP version released for industry review and comment before the final solicitation.

Final Proposal Revision

The last opportunity for offerors to revise their proposals after discussions, prior to source selection.

Invitation for Bid

Sealed bidding solicitation where award goes to the lowest priced, responsive, responsible bidder.

Request for Information

Government tool to gather information on potential companies and capabilities.

Request for Proposal

Documents used by an agency to solicit proposals from industry. Also called a solicitation.

Request for Quotation

A simpler solicitation seeking price quotes for well-defined items.

Section A: Solicitation/Contract Form

The cover page of a federal solicitation, typically an SF 33 or SF 1449, identifying the solicitation number, issuing agency, and proposal due date; it becomes Section A of the executed contract upon award.

Section B: Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs

The part of a solicitation and contract listing the contract line items being purchased, along with quantities, units, and pricing structure.

Section C: Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

The technical heart of a solicitation, containing the Statement of Work, Performance Work Statement, or specifications describing exactly what the government needs delivered or performed.

Section D: Packaging and Marking

The part of a solicitation specifying packaging, packing, preservation, and marking requirements for physical deliverables.

Section E: Inspection and Acceptance

The part of a solicitation defining how the government will inspect and accept delivered goods or services, including quality standards and inspection authority.

Section F: Deliveries or Performance

The part of a solicitation stating the delivery schedule, period of performance, and place of performance a contractor must meet.

Section G: Contract Administration Data

The part of a solicitation covering administrative mechanics of running the contract after award, such as invoicing instructions and points of contact.

Section H: Special Contract Requirements

A catch-all section of a solicitation for terms specific to that procurement that don't fit elsewhere in the Uniform Contract Format, such as organizational conflict of interest rules or key personnel provisions.

Section I: Contract Clauses

The part of a solicitation listing the FAR, agency-specific, and other clauses that will govern the resulting contract.

Section J: List of Attachments

An index of every attachment, exhibit, and standalone document incorporated into the solicitation by reference.

Section K: Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements

The part of a solicitation where offerors complete required self-certifications, such as small business size status and tax matters.

Section L: Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors

The instructions offerors must follow to prepare and submit a compliant proposal, covering volume structure, page limits, formatting, and submission deadlines.

Section M: Evaluation Factors for Award

The part of a solicitation stating the evaluation factors and subfactors the government will use to judge proposals, and the basis for award.

Solicitation

Official government document (RFP, RFQ, IFB) inviting proposals or bids.

Solicitation Number

13-digit identifier encoding the buying agency, fiscal year, type, and sequence.

Sources Sought

Market research tool to gauge qualified bidders. Informs set-aside decisions.