[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 48, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 48CFR14.101]

[Page 215-216]
 
            TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
 
                CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION
 
PART 14_SEALED BIDDING--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart 14.1_Use of Sealed Bidding
 
Sec.  14.101  Elements of sealed bidding.


    Sealed bidding is a method of contracting that employs competitive 
bids, public opening of bids, and awards. The following steps are 
involved:
    (a) Preparation of invitations for bids. Invitations must describe 
the requirements of the Government clearly, accurately, and completely. 
Unnecessarily restrictive specifications or requirements that might 
unduly limit the number of bidders are prohibited. The invitation 
includes all documents (whether attached or incorporated by reference) 
furnished prospective bidders for the purpose of bidding.
    (b) Publicizing the invitation for bids. Invitations must be 
publicized through distribution to prospective bidders, posting in 
public places, and such other means as may be appropriate. Publicizing 
must occur a sufficient time before public opening of bids to enable

[[Page 216]]

prospective bidders to prepare and submit bids.
    (c) Submission of bids. Bidders must submit sealed bids to be opened 
at the time and place stated in the solicitation for the public opening 
of bids.
    (d) Evaluation of bids. Bids shall be evaluated without discussions.
    (e) Contract award. After bids are publicly opened, an award will be 
made with reasonable promptness to that responsible bidder whose bid, 
conforming to the invitation for bids, will be most advantageous to the 
Government, considering only price and the price-related factors 
included in the invitation.

[48 FR 42171, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 50 FR 1737, Jan. 11, 1985; 
50 FR 52429, Dec. 23, 1985]