Overview
FAR 14.208 establishes the formal procedures for modifying an Invitation for Bids (IFB), ensuring that all prospective bidders receive identical information and sufficient time to respond to changes or clarifications.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Form: All changes to quantities, specifications, schedules, or corrections of defects must be executed using Standard Form 30 (Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract).
- Formal Communication: Verbal statements or discussions at pre-bid conferences do not supersede the written IFB; changes mentioned orally must still be formalized via a written amendment.
- Distribution Requirements: Amendments must be sent to every individual or entity that received the original IFB and must be physically displayed in the bid room before the opening time.
- Time Considerations: Contracting officers must evaluate the time remaining before bid opening and are required to extend the deadline if the amendment is issued too late for bidders to properly consider the new information.
- Equal Information: Any information provided to one bidder that is necessary for submitting a bid, or whose absence would be prejudicial to others, must be furnished to all prospective bidders.
- Award Restriction: No contract award can be made unless all necessary amendments were issued in time for bidders to modify their submissions accordingly.
Practical Implications
- This section prevents "information asymmetry," ensuring no single bidder gains an unfair advantage through private clarifications with the contracting office.
- Contracting Officers must exercise diligent project management; if a significant change is identified shortly before a deadline, they are legally obligated to postpone the bid opening to maintain the integrity of the sealed bidding process.