MONDAY MORNING CONTRACTING TIPS
To
ensure you learn how to write more successful proposals, Request a Debrief.
A debriefing can be a valuable opportunity on many levels; understanding agency's evaluation and source selection decision process as well as understanding what must be done to ensure the next proposal is written better to support the agency needs. The tips below help contractors to maximize the amount and value of the information obtained at a debriefing and to better position for the next proposal submittal.
1)
Always
request debriefing, even if you are an awardee
2)
Submit
your request in writing as soon as you receive the award
3)
Accept
the first appropriate date offered
4)
If
you are not awarded do not elect to defer your debriefing until after award
5)
Know
what information the agency is required to disclose at debriefing before you
attend the debrief
6)
Prepare
Questions in advance
7)
If
you’re not the awardee leave your legal counsel out of the debrief
8)
Prepare
to listen
9)
Take
good notes
10) Do not be controversial
Federal Acquisition
Regulation (FAR) that supports Debriefing.
15.505 Preaward
debriefing of offerors.
Offerors excluded from the competitive range or otherwise
excluded from the competition before award may request a debriefing before
award (10 U.S.C. 2305(b)(6)(A)
and 41 U.S.C. 253b(f)
- (h)).
(a)(1) The offeror may request a preaward debriefing by
submitting a written request for debriefing to the contracting officer within
3 days after receipt of the notice of exclusion from the competition.
FAR 13.106-3 (d)
(d) Request for information. If a supplier
requests information on an award that was based on factors other than price
alone, a brief explanation of the basis for the contract award decision shall
be provided (see 15.503(b)(2)).
15.506 Postaward
debriefing of offerors.
(a)(1) An offeror, upon its written request received by
the agency within 3 days after the date on which that offeror has received
notification of contract award in accordance with 15.503(b), shall be
debriefed and furnished the basis for the selection decision and contract
award.
(2) To the maximum
extent practicable, the debriefing should occur within 5 days after
receipt of the written request. Offerors that requested a postaward debriefing
in lieu of a preaward debriefing, or whose debriefing was delayed for
compelling reasons beyond contract award, also should be debriefed within this
time period.
