Phase 2 of the contracting process is Solicitation. The objective of solicitation is to prepare and issue a solicitation to ensure that all qualified offerors are given the opportunity to compete for Government contracts. This phase of the contracting process includes preparing the solicitation; publicizing the planned procurement; amending the solicitation, as necessary; communicating with the offeror, as necessary; and receiving the offers.

The contracting processes and procedures addressed during the solicitation phase are:

1. Unsolicited Proposals: Unsolicited proposals are written proposals received by the government from a contractor that is not in response to published Requests for Information (RFI) or Requests for Proposal (RFP).
2. Synopses: A synopsis is a publication of contract actions exceeding $25,000. The purpose is to increase competition, broaden industry participation in meeting Government requirements, and assist small business concerns (including veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, small disadvantaged, and women-owned) in winning contracts and subcontracts.
3. Solicitations: (see Proposal Development) Solicitations are used in negotiated acquisitions to communicate your requirements to prospective contractors and to solicit proposals. At a minimum, solicitations shall describe the Government’s requirement, anticipated terms and conditions that will apply to the contract, information required in the offeror’s proposal, and (for competitive acquisitions) the criteria that will be used to evaluate the proposal and their relative importance.
4. Issuing the Solicitation: The publication of the solicitation to System for Award Management (SAM).
5. Amending a Solicitation: Changes to a solicitation if requirements, terms, or conditions have changed after the original solicitation has been posted.
6. Pre-Award Protests: A written objection to impropriety in the solicitation submitted by a prospective contractor.
7. Receipt of Proposals/Bids/Quotes: The receiving of a proposal by a potential contractor.

Contracting Phases

• Phase 1: Planning for Procurement
• Phase 2: Solicitation
• Phase 3: Evaluation
• Phase 4: Contract Award
• Phase 5: Post-award Management of the Contract

AcqLinks and References:

• Defense Contingency Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Handbook – 22 Mar 2012
• DoD Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Handbook – Sept 2012
• Website: Navy Contract Management Process Guide
• Website: FAR Subpart 15 – Contracting by Negotiation

Updated: 7/23/2021