Acquisition Phases
Every acquisition phase page on Bureauify, each linked to the live federal records for that entity.
8 pages, each tied to live federal records.
- Acquisition PlanningAcquisition planning is the foundational phase where the government defines its needs and develops a strategy for fulfilling them. During this phase, contracting officers and program managers conduct market research, define requirements, and draft the acquisition strategy document. This phase also includes determining the appropriate contract type, set-aside strategy, and evaluation criteria that will guide the entire procurement.
- AwardThe award phase culminates the source selection process with the contracting officer making a formal award decision. The government notifies both the winner and unsuccessful offerors, and a brief standstill period allows for debriefings and potential protests. For FAR Part 15 procurements, unsuccessful offerors have the right to a debriefing within 5 days of a written request.
- CloseoutContract closeout is the final phase where all administrative actions are completed after the contractor finishes performance. This includes verifying all deliverables are accepted, final payment is processed, government property is returned, and any remaining disputes are resolved. Closeout timelines vary: firm-fixed-price contracts should close within 6 months, while cost-reimbursement contracts may take up to 36 months due to audit requirements.
- Contract AdministrationContract administration is the longest phase, spanning the entire period of performance. The government monitors contractor performance, processes invoices, approves deliverables, and manages any changes through contract modifications. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) serves as the day-to-day government point of contact, while the Contracting Officer retains authority for any contractual changes.
- EvaluationThe evaluation phase is where the government reviews and scores submitted proposals against the stated evaluation criteria. A Source Selection Evaluation Board (SSEB) typically evaluates technical, management, and past performance factors, while a separate team evaluates pricing. The contracting officer may establish a competitive range and conduct discussions with offerors before requesting final proposal revisions.
- Post-Award / KickoffThe post-award and kickoff phase transitions the contract from paper to performance. A post-award orientation or kickoff meeting aligns the government and contractor on expectations, key personnel, deliverables, and communication protocols. The Notice to Proceed (NTP) formally authorizes the contractor to begin work. Transition planning is critical for incumbent-to-new-contractor handoffs.
- Pre-SolicitationThe pre-solicitation phase bridges planning and the formal solicitation. The government publishes Sources Sought notices, Requests for Information (RFIs), and draft solicitations to gather industry feedback. Industry days and pre-proposal conferences allow contractors to ask questions and help refine requirements. This phase is critical for shaping the final solicitation.
- SolicitationDuring the solicitation phase, the government formally releases the solicitation document — an RFP, RFQ, or IFB — and industry prepares proposals. The solicitation period includes a Q&A process, amendments to address questions and corrections, and a firm deadline for proposal submission. FAR Part 15 governs negotiated procurements while FAR Part 14 covers sealed bidding.