Overview
This section prescribes the standard procedures, forms, and structures for preparing Invitations for Bids (IFBs) under sealed bidding procedures. It emphasizes the use of the Uniform Contract Format (UCF) to ensure consistency and clarity in government solicitations and resulting contracts.
Key Rules
- Uniform Contract Format (UCF): Contracting officers must use the UCF (Sections A through M) for most IFBs, except for specific categories such as construction, shipbuilding, and subsistence items.
- Incorporation by Reference: Upon contract award, Part IV (Sections K, L, and M) is not physically included in the final contract; however, Section K (Representations and Certifications) is legally incorporated by reference.
- Required Forms: The Standard Form (SF) 33 is the default form for invitations for bids, while the SF 1447 may be used for simplified contract formats.
- Evaluation Factors: The IFB must clearly identify all price-related factors that will be considered for award, such as transportation costs (f.o.b. origin), taxes, and the $500 administrative cost assigned to each additional award when evaluating multiple award scenarios.
- Mandatory Provisions: Specific FAR provisions regarding late submissions (52.214-7), bid modifications, and bid openings must be included to ensure the integrity of the sealed bidding process.
Practical Implications
- Standardization for Bidders: The use of the UCF allows contractors to quickly locate critical information, such as instructions for bid submission in Section L and evaluation criteria in Section M, across different federal agencies.
- Risk Mitigation: Strict adherence to the prescribed provisions and price-related evaluation factors helps the government avoid bid protests related to the unequal treatment of bidders or the use of unstated evaluation criteria.