Solicitation Announcement

All Federal procurement offices are required to announce proposed procurement actions over $25,000 and contract awards over $25,000, that are likely to result in the award of any subcontracts, through the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE). The GPE lists notices of proposed government procurement actions, contract awards, sales of government property, and other procurement information. The GPE is located at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. 

A solicitation announcement, whether an invitation for bid or a request for proposal, identifies the procurement, the agency, and the contact person(s).

• It contains simple, clear instructions for preparing an offer, often including a checklist of the items in the offer.
• It clearly states the time and manner for submitting the offer, and the length of time for which the offer must remain firm (not subject to withdrawal).
• Many agencies use a three-part, one page form for simple bids; called a "solicitation, offer, and award form."
• The form invites bids on a list of items, provides space for prices and the bidder's execution of the offer, and space for the agency acceptance.[See FAR Part 5 and 12 for more information]

Solicitations are posted online at:

• Service Sites (if available) 
• FedBizOpps.gov