Sealed Bidding

Course Description:

Sealed bidding is a method of contracting used by the Federal Government for purchases exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. It employs competitive bidding, public opening of bids, and awards. Other methods of contracting are used only when sealed bidding is determined not to be appropriate. This course is designed for students who are involved in procurements exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. The course addresses the statutory requirements for sealed bidding contained in 10 U.S.C. and 41 U.S.C. The policies and procedures covered in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 14 are also covered extensively.

This course provides entry-level contracting (GS-1102 and equivalent) personnel with opportunities to develop skill at awarding contracts through sealed bidding. Quizzes and practical exercises supplement the lecture portion of the course.

Prerequisites:

• Acquisition Planning I
• Lessons and Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives:

1. Acquisition Planning Review
• State the four requirements for the use of sealed bidding.
• Describe the elements of acquisition planning (e.g., purchase requests, market research, requirements documents, set aside decisions, solicitation mailing lists, and determination of the method of procurement).
2. IFB Preparation
Given the purchase request, acquisition planning decisions, and a determination to award through sealed bidding:
• Select provisions and clauses for the Invitation For Bids (IFB) and assemble the IFB.
3. Publicizing the IFB and Preaward Inquiries
Given a proposed solicitation:
• Select and implement a method or methods of publicizing the proposed procurement.
• Given a written or oral inquiry on a solicitation, copies of bids and proposals received in response to the solicitation, and a copy of the solicitation:
• Respond to inquiries concerning solicitations.