How to Read a Government Solicitation

How to Read a Government Solicitation
By Maggie Jeniks

Terms and definitions often found in solicitations

How to Read a Solicitation:

Reading government solicitations (aka bidding opportunities and RFPs) can seem like a daunting task at times, especially if you are unfamiliar with all of the phrases and terminology unique to government bidding. This article will break down government solicitations into sections - helping you understand exactly what you're reading.

Opening

Key Information: Due Date, Pre Bid Meeting Date, Bid Title

This will give the bidder the timeframe in which bids will be accepted. Responses received after the bid deadline will not be accepted. There are rare exceptions, but entities rarely accept late bids because it allowed the bidders who submitted a bid on time to file a bid protest.

Point of Contact

Key Information: Purchasing Agent Name, Phone Number and Email Address

A bid's point of contact is often the next step for a contractor, after reading the bid description, The bid POC can provide any additional information and documents an interested contractor will need. Contacting the POC is the next step after finding a RFP that you would like to submit a proposal for.

Terms and Conditions

Key Information: Compliance Information

These terms and conditionals will most likely be brought back up after a bidder has won the job and will have to agree to the terms and conditions by signing the contract.

General Information and Description

Key Information: Bid Description, Industry Categories

This section will be different for evert bid. It will typically include information about the service or good the government is requesting proposals for, including a delivery timeline. If the bid is from the Federal or state governments it may also include industry codes, such as NAICS or NIGP codes. To learn more about NAICS Codes visit the US Census' NAICS site: http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/. You can learn more about NIGP codes on The Institute for Public Procurement site: http://www.nigp.org.

Specifications

Key Information: Set-aside Status, Service Timeline

This section will explain what the government entity requires from the bidder. This could include required training, tools or time period of the RFP's requested service. The solicitation may also include if the contract is "set aside" for companies with a minority or small business status.

Proposal Submission

Key Information: Evaluation Criteria, Post Award Steps

Larger bids will have a more detailed submission section. This section could contain the evaluation process, what is being evaluated, what the post-award steps include, contractor interview process of government proposals and the government's right to reject a bid.

For more information visit here:- Government Contracts

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