Competitive Range for Contracts

This SOP has internal roles only.

Purpose

To identify all of the most highly rated proposals eligible for contract award.

Procedure

In competitive acquisitions, when discussions are conducted, the contracting officer establishes a competitive range of all of the most highly rated proposals based on the ratings of each proposal against all of the evaluation criteria. The CO may reduce the range if there are too many top-rated proposals for an efficient competition. See FAR 15.305 (c)(2). This can be done as long as the solicitation states that the competitive range can be limited for efficiency. See FAR 52.215-1(f)(4).

A proposal may be technically acceptable and omitted from the competitive range. Technically unacceptable proposals are not eligible for award, will be excluded from the competitive range, and, do not receive further consideration.

Contracting Officers

• After the technical review, receive the final Technical Evaluation Report (TER) and consult with the project officer regarding competitive range decision, based on the technical factors set forth in Section M of the solicitation.
• Determine a competitive range using the factors set forth in Section M of the solicitation. Document this decision and promptly notify all offerors in writing.
• After establishing the competitive range, initiate discussions with offerors in the competitive range.

Contacts

See the Office of Acquisitions staff listing for the appropriate contract specialist.

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Links

FAR 15.3, Source Selection

FAR 15.5, Preaward, Award and Postaward Notification, Protests, and Mistakes

Request for Proposals SOP

Contract Negotiations SOP

Template for Competitive Range In -- FPR Letter (located on OA's Q: drive, Templates folder, under "Negotiation Phase")

Template for Notice of Elimination from Further Consideration Letter (located on OA's Q: drive, Templates folder, under "Negotiation Phase")