Overview
This section prescribes the mandatory framework for how federal agencies must manage unsolicited proposals, including the establishment of formal internal procedures and designated points of contact. It outlines a two-stage process—an initial screening for basic viability followed by a detailed comprehensive evaluation—while emphasizing the protection of the offeror's proprietary data.
Key Rules
- Procedural Requirements: Agencies must establish formal controls for the receipt, evaluation, and disposal of proposals, specifically to protect data identified as restricted or proprietary.
- Designated Points of Contact (POC): Agencies are required to appoint specific individuals to coordinate the handling and flow of unsolicited proposals.
- Initial Review Thresholds: Before a full evaluation, the POC must verify seven criteria, including mission relevance, technical/cost sufficiency, proper proprietary markings, and authorization by a responsible official.
- Formal Rejection: If a proposal fails the initial review, the agency must promptly notify the offeror in writing, stating the reasons for rejection and the intended disposition of the documents.
- Comprehensive Evaluation Factors: Evaluators must specifically analyze the proposal's innovation, the offeror's unique capabilities, the experience of key personnel, and the realism of the proposed costs.
- Proprietary Legend: The agency POC must ensure that any proposal circulated for evaluation bears the protective markings required by FAR 15.609 to prevent unauthorized disclosure.
Practical Implications
- Gatekeeping Function: The rigorous initial review acts as a "filter" that allows agencies to quickly discard proposals that are incomplete or merely attempt to bypass competitive bidding for existing requirements.
- Substantive Burden on Offerors: Contractors must ensure their proposals are not only technically innovative but also meticulously compliant with administrative markings and mission alignment, or they risk immediate rejection without a technical reading.
- Internal Coordination: The requirement for a central POC prevents "rogue" evaluations by technical offices and ensures that the government's receipt of sensitive intellectual property is tracked and controlled.