[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: 48CFR14.401]

[Page 228-229]
 
            TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
 
                CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION
 
PART 14_SEALED BIDDING--Table of Contents
 
           Subpart 14.4_Opening of Bids and Award of Contract
 
Sec.  14.401  Receipt and safeguarding of bids.

    (a) All bids (including modifications) received before the time set 
for the opening of bids shall be kept secure. Except as provided in 
paragraph (b) of this section, the bids shall not be opened or viewed, 
and shall remain in a locked bid box, a safe, or in a secured, 
restricted-access electronic bid box. If an invitation for bids is 
cancelled, bids shall be returned to the bidders. Necessary precautions 
shall be taken to ensure the security of the bid box or safe. Before bid 
opening, information concerning the identity and number of bids received 
shall be made available

[[Page 229]]

only to Government employees. Such disclosure shall be only on a need to 
know basis. When bid samples are submitted, they shall be handled with 
sufficient care to prevent disclosure of characteristics before bid 
opening.
    (b) Envelopes marked as bids but not identifying the bidder or the 
solicitation may be opened solely for the purpose of identification, and 
then only by an official designated for this purpose. If a sealed bid is 
opened by mistake (e.g., because it is not marked as being a bid), the 
envelope shall be signed by the opener, whose position shall also be 
written thereon, and delivered to the designated official. This official 
shall immediately write on the envelope (1) an explanation of the 
opening, (2) the date and time opened, and (3) the invitation for bids 
number, and shall sign the envelope. The official shall then immediately 
reseal the envelope.

[48 FR 42171, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 60 FR 34738, July 3, 1995]