Overview
This section prescribes the mandatory Standard Forms (SF) and Optional Forms (OF) to be used by federal agencies when conducting procurement through sealed bidding for supplies and services, excluding construction and architect-engineer services.
Key Rules
- Applicability: These forms are specifically for sealed bid procurements; construction and architect-engineer services are governed by different sections of the FAR.
- Solicitation and Award Forms:
- SF 33 is the standard form for solicitation and award, unless the SF 1447 (Simplified Contract Format) is used.
- SF 26 is used specifically to award a contract when the initial bid was obtained via an SF 33.
- Amendments: Any changes to an Invitation for Bids (IFB) must be documented using SF 30.
- Record Keeping: Contracting officers must use SF 1409 (and SF 1410 for continuations) to create an "Abstract of Offers" to record all bids received.
- Bid Handling: OF 17 (Offer Label) may be provided to bidders to ensure their submissions are clearly identified and handled properly upon receipt.
Practical Implications
- Standardization: The use of these specific forms ensures a uniform process across federal agencies, which is critical for the transparency and "level playing field" required in the public bid opening process.
- Procedural Compliance: Contracting officers must ensure they select the correct form based on the chosen contract format (e.g., using SF 1447 for simplified formats) to avoid procedural errors that could lead to bid protests.