Mastering the Part 15 Source Selection Process

Source selections for contract awards under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 15 (negotiated procurements) are complex
and multi-phased. The source selection process sets out:

• The agency’s needs.
  • The best type of contract for the procurement.
  • Instructions for proposal submission.
  • The agency’s evaluation criteria for the proposals.
  • The basis for the contract award.

The objective of source selection is to select the proposal that represents the best value as defined by the agency (FAR 15.302), however, the process tends to be viewed as byzantine and overly complex.  An agency award decision must not only be consistent with the terms set out in the solicitation but must also ensure that it documents how the award ultimately supports the “best value” decision. Failure by the government to follow the process it set forth may result in litigation, overpaying for requirements, or not supporting the mission with what the agency needs.

This course will walk through the source selection process from the government’s perspective while providing insight to contractors and other participants in the process. This training does not specifically cover procurements under parts 12, 13, 14, or 16.

This course will break down the phases of a source selection:

• Pre-solicitation Activities (FAR 15.201).
  • Issuance of Solicitation/Request for Proposals (FAR 15.203, 15.205, and 15.206).
  • Receiving Proposals (FAR 15.207 and 15.208).
  • Evaluation of Proposal (FAR 15.302 to 15.305).
  • Communications with Offerors After Receipt of Proposals (FAR 15.306).
  • Pre-award Debriefing (FAR 15.505).
  • Evaluation of Proposals Based on Discussions (FAR 15.404).
  • Source Selection Decision (15.308).
  • Price Negotiation (FAR 15.405).
  • Notification of Successful and Unsuccessful Offerors (FAR 15.503 and 15.504).
  • Post-award Debriefing (FAR 15.506).