1.

Not Reading the Entire Solicitation, Including all the Amendments and all of the Clauses Incorporated by Reference.

Most people only read the Statement of Work

Need to read other critical sections such as: Inspection & Acceptance, Deliveries or Performance, Special Contract Requirements, and Evaluation Factors for Award.

Read the Entire IFB or RFP.

Print out and read the clauses that are incorporated by references.

Acknowledge all amendments (changes) to the solicitation.

2.

Not Asking a Question About an Ambiguity in the Solicitation.

An ambiguity exists when a phrase, clause or section of the solicitation can have more than one meaning.

Ask the Contracting Officer for written clarification before the closing date that bids are due.

Be sure to confirm receipt.

3.

Not Submitting Your Bid or Offer on Time.

Late delivery generally requires
rejection of your offer. The only
exception might be government
mishandling of your bid.

Send your bid in early.

Confirm receipt of your bid / proposal before the due date.

4.

For Negotiated Procurements, Not Considering the Contract May Be Awarded without Discussions.

Many offerors think they will be
given a second chance to revise
their initial proposal. Many less
complex procurements do not
require discussions.

Submit your best technical and
price proposal during your initial
submission.

Don’t assume anything.

5.

Not Following the Instructions in the Solicitation.

Government solicitations frequently state the exact format for proposals such as page limits, font sizes, etc.

Cost and technical proposals are
frequently required to be
submitted separately.

Make sure your proposal (offer) follows all the proposal preparation instructions. If not, expect your offer to be downgraded or rejected.