Part 5 - Publicizing Contract Actions

5.000 Scope of part.

5.001 Definition.

5.002 Policy.

5.003 Governmentwide point of entry.

Subpart 5.1 - Dissemination of Information

5.101 Methods of disseminating information.

5.102 Availability of solicitations.

Subpart 5.2 - Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions

5.201 General.

5.202 Exceptions.

5.203 Publicizing and response time.

5.204 Presolicitation notices.

5.205 Special situations.

5.206 Notices of subcontracting opportunities.

5.207 Preparation and transmittal of synopses.

Subpart 5.3 - Synopses of Contract Awards

5.301 General.

5.302 Preparation and transmittal of synopses of awards.

5.303 Announcement of contract awards.

Subpart 5.4 - Release of Information

5.401 General.

5.402 General public.

5.403 Requests from Members of Congress.

5.404 Release of long-range acquisition estimates.

5.404-1 Release procedures.

5.404-2 Announcements of long-range acquisition estimates.
5.405 Exchange of acquisition information.

5.406 Public disclosure of justification documents for certain contract actions.

Subpart 5.5 - Paid Advertisements

5.501 Definitions.

5.502 Authority.

5.503 Procedures.

5.504 Use of advertising agencies.

Subpart 5.6 - Publicizing Multi-Agency Use Contracts

5.601 Governmentwide database of contracts.

Subpart 5.7 - Publicizing Requirements Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

5.701 Scope.

5.702 Applicability.

5.703 Definition.

5.704 Publicizing preaward.

5.705 Publicizing postaward.

Parent topic: Federal Acquisition Regulation

5.000 Scope of part.

This part prescribes policies and procedures for publicizing contract opportunities and award

information.

5.001 Definition.

Contract action, as used in this part, means an action resulting in a contract, as defined in subpart 

2.1, including actions for additional supplies or services outside the existing contract scope, but not

including actions that are within the scope and under the terms of the existing contract, such as

contract modifications issued pursuant to the Changes clause, or funding and other administrative

changes.

5.002 Policy.

Contracting officers must publicize contract actions in order to-
(a) Increase competition;

(b) Broaden industry participation in meeting Government requirements; and

(c) Assist small business concerns, veteran-owned small business concerns, service-disabled veteranowned small business concerns, HUBZone small business concerns, small disadvantaged business

concerns, and women-owned small business concerns in obtaining contracts and subcontracts.

5.003 Governmentwide point of entry.

For any requirement in the FAR to publish a notice, the contracting officer must transmit the notices

to the GPE.

Subpart 5.1 - Dissemination of Information

5.101 Methods of disseminating information.

(a) As required by the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.637(e)) and the Office of Federal Procurement

Policy Act (41 U.S.C.1708), contracting officers must disseminate information on proposed contract

actions as follows:

(1) For proposed contract actions expected to exceed $25,000, by synopsizing in the GPE (see

5.201).

(2) For proposed contract actions expected to exceed $15,000, but not expected to exceed $25,000,

by displaying in a public place, or by any appropriate electronic means, an unclassified notice of the

solicitation or a copy of the solicitation satisfying the requirements of 5.207(c). The notice must

include a statement that all responsible sources may submit a response which, if timely received,

must be considered by the agency. The information must be posted not later than the date the

solicitation is issued, and must remain posted for at least 10 days or until after quotations have been

opened, whichever is later.

(i) If solicitations are posted instead of a notice, the contracting officer may employ various methods

of satisfying the requirements of 5.207(c). For example, the contracting officer may meet the

requirements of 5.207(c) by stamping the solicitation, by a cover sheet to the solicitation, or by

placing a general statement in the display room.

(ii) The contracting officer need not comply with the display requirements of this section when the

exemptions at 5.202(a)(1), (a)(4) through (a)(9), or (a)(11) apply, when oral solicitations are used, or

when providing access to a notice of proposed contract action and solicitation through the GPE and

the notice permits the public to respond to the solicitation electronically.

(iii) Contracting officers may use electronic posting of requirements in a place accessible by the

general public at the Government installation to satisfy the public display requirement. Contracting

offices using electronic systems for public posting that are not accessible outside the installation

must periodically publicize the methods for accessing the information.

(b) In addition, one or more of the following methods may be used:
(1) Preparing periodic handouts listing proposed contracts, and displaying them as in 5.101(a)(2).

(2) Assisting local trade associations in disseminating information to their members.

(3) Making brief announcements of proposed contracts to newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or

other mass communication media for publication without cost to the Government.

(4) Placing paid advertisements in newspapers or other communications media, subject to the

following limitations:

(i) Contracting officers shall place paid advertisements of proposed contracts only when it is

anticipated that effective competition cannot be obtained otherwise (see 5.205(d)).

(ii) Contracting officers shall not place advertisements of proposed contracts in a newspaper

published and printed in the District of Columbia unless the supplies or services will be furnished, or

the labor performed, in the District of Columbia or adjoining counties in Maryland or Virginia (44

U.S.C.3701).

(iii) Advertisements published in newspapers must be under proper written authority in accordance

with 44 U.S.C.3702 (see 5.502(a)).

5.102 Availability of solicitations.

(a)

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, the contracting officer must make

available through the GPE solicitations synopsized through the GPE, including specifications,

technical data, and other pertinent information determined necessary by the contracting officer.

Transmissions to the GPE must be in accordance with the interface description available via the

Internet at https://www.sam.gov.

(2) The contracting officer is encouraged, when practicable and cost-effective, to make accessible

through the GPE additional information related to a solicitation.

(3) The contracting officer must ensure that solicitations transmitted using electronic commerce are

forwarded to the GPE to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(4) When an agency determines that a solicitation contains information that requires additional

controls to monitor access and distribution (e.g., technical data, specifications, maps, building

designs, schedules, etc.), the information shall be made available through the enhanced controls of

the GPE, unless an exception in paragraph (a)(5) of this section applies. The GPE meets the synopsis

and advertising requirements of this part.

(5) The contracting officer need not make a solicitation available through the GPE as required in

paragraph (a)(4) of this section, when-

(i) Disclosure would compromise the national security (e.g., would result in disclosure of classified

information, or information subject to export controls) or create other security risks. The fact that

access to classified matter may be necessary to submit a proposal or perform the contract does not,

in itself, justify use of this exception;
(ii) The nature of the file (e.g., size, format) does not make it cost-effective or practicable for

contracting officers to provide access to the solicitation through the GPE; or

(iii) The agency’s senior procurement executive makes a written determination that access through

the GPE is not in the Government’s interest.

(6) When an acquisition contains brand name specifications, the contracting officer shall include

with the solicitation the justification or documentation required by 6.302-1(c), 13.106-1(b), or

13.501, redacted as necessary (see 6.305).

(b) When the contracting officer does not make a solicitation available through the GPE pursuant to

paragraph (a)(5) of this section, the contracting officer-

(1) Should employ other electronic means (e.g., CD-ROM or electronic mail) whenever practicable

and cost- effective. When solicitations are provided electronically on physical media (e.g., disks) or

in paper form, the contracting officer must-

(i) Maintain a reasonable number of copies of solicitations, including specifications and other

pertinent information determined necessary by the contracting officer (upon request, potential

sources not initially solicited should be mailed or provided copies of solicitations, if available);

(ii) Provide copies on a "first-come-first-served" basis, for pickup at the contracting office, to

publishers, trade associations, information services, and other members of the public having a

legitimate interest (for construction, see 36.211); and

(iii) Retain a copy of the solicitation and other documents for review by and duplication for those

requesting copies after the initial number of copies is exhausted; and

(2) May require payment of a fee, not exceeding the actual cost of duplication, for a copy of the

solicitation document.

(c) In addition to the methods of disseminating proposed contract information in 5.101(a) and (b),

provide, upon request to small business concerns, as required by 15 U.S.C.637(b)-

(1) A copy of the solicitation and specifications. In the case of solicitations disseminated by

electronic data interchange, solicitations may be furnished directly to the electronic address of the

small business concern;

(2) The name and telephone number of an employee of the contracting office who will answer

questions on the solicitation; and

(3) Adequate citations to each applicable major Federal law or agency rule with which small

business concerns must comply in performing the contract.

(d) When electronic commerce (see subpart 4.5) is used in the solicitation process, availability of the

solicitation may be limited to the electronic medium.

(e) Provide copies of a solicitation issued under other than full and open competition to firms

requesting copies that were not initially solicited, but only after advising the requester of the

determination to limit the solicitation to a specified firm or firms as authorized under part 6.

(f) This section 5.102 applies to classified contracts to the extent consistent with agency security

requirements (see 5.202(a)(1)).
Subpart 5.2 - Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions

5.201 General.

(a) As required by the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.637(e)) and the Office of Federal Procurement

Policy Act (41 U.S.C.1708), agencies must make notices of proposed contract actions available as

specified in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b)

(1) For acquisitions of supplies and services, other than those covered by the exceptions in 5.202

and the special situations in 5.205, the contracting officer must transmit a notice to the GPE, for

each proposed-

(i) Contract action meeting the threshold in 5.101(a)(1);

(ii) Modification to an existing contract for additional supplies or services that meets the threshold in

5.101(a)(1); or

(iii) Contract action in any amount when advantageous to the Government.

(2) When transmitting notices using electronic commerce, contracting officers must ensure the

notice is forwarded to the GPE.

(c) The primary purposes of the notice are to improve small business access to acquisition

information and enhance competition by identifying contracting and subcontracting opportunities.

(d) The GPE may be accessed via the Internet at https://www.sam.gov.

5.202 Exceptions.

The contracting officer need not submit the notice required by 5.201 when-

(a) The contracting officer determines that-

(1) The synopsis cannot be worded to preclude disclosure of an agency’s needs and such disclosure

would compromise the national security (e.g., would result in disclosure of classified information).

The fact that a proposed solicitation or contract action contains classified information, or that access

to classified matter may be necessary to submit a proposal or perform the contract does not, in

itself, justify use of this exception to synopsis;

(2) The proposed contract action is made under the conditions described in 6.302-2 (or, for

purchases conducted using simplified acquisition procedures, if unusual and compelling urgency

precludes competition to the maximum extent practicable) and the Government would be seriously

injured if the agency complies with the time periods specified in 5.203;

(3) The proposed contract action is one for which either the written direction of a foreign

government reimbursing the agency for the cost of the acquisition of the supplies or services for

such government, or the terms of an international agreement or treaty between the United States
and a foreign government, or international organizations, has the effect of requiring that the

acquisition shall be from specified sources;

(4) The proposed contract action is expressly authorized or required by a statute to be made through

another Government agency, including acquisitions from the Small Business Administration (SBA)

using the authority of section 8(a) of the Small Business Act (but see 5.205(f)), or from a specific

source such as a workshop for the blind under the rules of the Committee for Purchase from People

Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled;

(5) The proposed contract action is for utility services other than telecommunications services and

only one source is available;

(6) The proposed contract action is an order placed under subpart 16.5. When the order contains

brand-name specifications, see especially 16.505(a)(4);

(7) The proposed contract action results from acceptance of a proposal under the Small Business

Innovation Development Act of1982 (Pub.L.97-219);

(8) The proposed contract action results from the acceptance of an unsolicited research proposal

that demonstrates a unique and innovative concept (see 2.101) and publication of any notice

complying with 5.207 would improperly disclose the originality of thought or innovativeness of the

proposed research, or would disclose proprietary information associated with the proposal. This

exception does not apply if the proposed contract action results from an unsolicited research

proposal and acceptance is based solely upon the unique capability of the source to perform the

particular research services proposed (see 6.302-1(a)(2)(i));

(9) The proposed contract action is made for perishable subsistence supplies, and advance notice is

not appropriate or reasonable;

(10) The proposed contract action is made under conditions described in 6.302-3, or 6.302-5 with

regard to brand name commercial products for authorized resale, or 6.302-7, and advance notice is

not appropriate or reasonable;

(11) The proposed contract action is made under the terms of an existing contract that was

previously synopsized in sufficient detail to comply with the requirements of 5.207 with respect to

the current proposed contract action;

(12) The proposed contract action is by a Defense agency and the proposed contract action will be

made and performed outside the United States and its outlying areas, and only local sources will be

solicited. This exception does not apply to proposed contract actions covered by the World Trade

Organization Government Procurement Agreement or a Free Trade Agreement (see subpart 25.4);

(13) The proposed contract action-

(i) Is for an amount not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold;

(ii) Will be made through a means that provides access to the notice of proposed contract action

through the GPE; and

(iii) Permits the public to respond to the solicitation electronically; or

(14) The proposed contract action is made under conditions described in 6.302-3 with respect to the

services of an expert to support the Federal Government in any current or anticipated litigation or
dispute.

(b) The head of the agency determines in writing, after consultation with the Administrator for

Federal Procurement Policy and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, that

advance notice is not appropriate or reasonable.

5.203 Publicizing and response time.

Whenever agencies are required to publicize notice of proposed contract actions under 5.201, they

must proceed as follows:

(a) An agency must transmit a notice of proposed contract action to the GPE (see 5.201). All

publicizing and response times are calculated based on the date of publication. The publication date

is the date the notice appears on the GPE. The notice must be published at least 15 days before

issuance of a solicitation, or a proposed contract action the Government intends to solicit and

negotiate with only one source under the authority of 6.302, except that, for acquisitions of

commercial products or commercial services, the contracting officer may-

(1) Establish a shorter period for issuance of the solicitation; or

(2) Use the combined synopsis and solicitation procedure (see 12.603).

(b) The contracting officer must establish a solicitation response time that will afford potential

offerors a reasonable opportunity to respond to each proposed contract action, (including actions

where the notice of proposed contract action and solicitation information is accessible through the

GPE), in an amount estimated to be greater than $25,000, but not greater than the simplified

acquisition threshold; or each contract action for the acquisition of commercial products or

commercial services in an amount estimated to be greater than $25,000. The contracting officer

should consider the circumstances of the individual acquisition, such as the complexity,

commerciality, availability, and urgency, when establishing the solicitation response time.

(c) Except for the acquisition of commercial products or commercial services (see 5.203(b)),

agencies shall allow at least a 30-day response time for receipt of bids or proposals from the date of

issuance of a solicitation, if the proposed contract action is expected to exceed the simplified

acquisition threshold.

(d) Agencies shall allow at least a 30 day response time from the date of publication of a proper

notice of intent to contract for architect-engineer services or before issuance of an order under a

basic ordering agreement or similar arrangement if the proposed contract action is expected to

exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(e) Agencies must allow at least a 45-day response time for receipt of bids or proposals from the date

of publication of the notice required in 5.201 for proposed contract actions categorized as research

and development if the proposed contract action is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition

threshold.

(f) Nothing in this subpart prohibits officers or employees of agencies from responding to requests

for information.

(g) Contracting officers may, unless they have evidence to the contrary, presume the notice was

published oneday after transmission to the GPE. This presumption does not negate the mandatory
waiting or response times specified in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section. Upon learning that

a particular notice has not in fact been published within the presumed timeframes, contracting

officers should consider whether the date for receipt of offers can be extended or whether

circumstances have become sufficiently compelling to justify proceeding with the proposed contract

action under the authority of 5.202(a)(2).

(h) In addition to other requirements set forth in this section, for acquisitions covered by the World

Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement or a Free Trade Agreement (see subpart 

25.4), the period of time between publication of the synopsis notice and receipt of offers must be no

less than 40 days. However, if the acquisition falls within a general category identified in an annual

forecast, the availability of which is published, the contracting officer may reduce this time period to

as few as 10 days.

5.204 Presolicitation notices.

Contracting officers must provide access to presolicitation notices through the GPE (see 15.201 and

36.213-2). The contracting officer must synopsize a proposed contract action before issuing any

resulting solicitation (see 5.201 and 5.203).

5.205 Special situations.

(a) Research and development (R&D) advance notices. Contracting officers may transmit to the GPE

advance notices of their interest in potential R&D programs whenever market research does not

produce a sufficient number of concerns to obtain adequate competition. Advance notices must not

be used where security considerations prohibit such publication. Advance notices will enable

potential sources to learn of R&D programs and provide these sources with an opportunity to submit

information which will permit evaluation of their capabilities. Contracting officers must consider

potential sources which respond to advance notices for a subsequent solicitation. Advanced notices

must be entitled "Research and Development Sources Sought" and include the name and telephone

number of the contracting officer or other contracting activity official from whom technical details of

the project can be obtained. This will enable sources to submit information for evaluation of their

R&D capabilities. Contracting officers must synopsize (see 5.201) all subsequent solicitations for

R&D contracts, including those resulting from a previously synopsized advance notice, unless one of

the exceptions in 5.202 applies.

(b) Federally Funded Research and Development Centers. Before establishing a Federally Funded

Research and Development Center (FFRDC) (see part 35) or before changing its basic purpose and

mission, the sponsor must transmit at least three notices over a 90-day period to the GPE and the

Federal Register, indicating the agency’s intention to sponsor an FFRDC or change the basic

purpose and mission of an FFRDC. The notice must indicate the scope and nature of the effort to be

performed and request comments. Notice is not required where the action is required by law.

(c) Special notices. Contracting officers may transmit to the GPE special notices of procurement

matters such as business fairs, long-range procurement estimates, prebid or preproposal

conferences, meetings, and the availability of draft solicitations or draft specifications for review.

(d) Architect-engineering services. Contracting officers must publish notices of intent to contract for

architect-engineering services as follows:
(1) Except when exempted by 5.202, contracting officers must transmit to the GPE a synopsis of

each proposed contract action for which the total fee (including phases and options) is expected to

exceed $25,000.

(2) When the total fee is expected to exceed $15,000 but not exceed $25,000, the contracting officer

must comply with 5.101(a)(2). When the proposed contract action is not required to be synopsized

under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the contracting officer must display a notice of the solicitation

or a copy of the solicitation in a public place at the contracting office. Other optional publicizing

methods are authorized in accordance with 5.101(b).

(e) Public-private competitions under OMB Circular A-76.

(1) The contracting officer shall make a formal public announcement for each streamlined or

standard competition. The public announcement shall include, at a minimum, the agency, agency

component, location, type of competition (streamlined or standard), activity being competed,

incumbent service providers, number of Government personnel performing the activity, name of the

Competitive Sourcing Official, name of the contracting officer, name of the Agency Tender Official,

and projected end date of the competition.

(2) The contracting officer shall announce the end of the streamlined or standard competition by

making a formal public announcement of the performance decision. (See OMB Circular A-76.)

(f) Section8(a) competitive acquisition. When a requirement is being considered for competitive

acquisition limited to eligible 8(a) participants under subpart 19.8, the contracting officer must

transmit a synopsis of the proposed contract action to the GPE. The synopsis may be transmitted to

the GPE concurrent with submission of the agency offering (see 19.804-2) to the Small Business

Administration (SBA). The synopsis should also include information-

(1) Advising that the acquisition is being offered for competition limited to eligible 8(a) participants;

(2) Specifying the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code;

(3) Advising that eligibility to participate may be restricted to 8(a) participants in either the

developmental stage or the developmental and transitional stages; and

(4) Encouraging interested 8(a) participants to request a copy of the solicitation as expeditiously as

possible since the solicitation will be issued without further notice upon SBA acceptance of the

requirement for the section 8(a) program.

(g) Notifications to the public regarding consolidation, bundling, or substantial bundling.

(1) For the requirement to publish a notification of consolidation or substantial bundling of contract

requirements, see 7.107-5(c) and (d).

(2) The agency is encouraged to provide notification of the rationale for any bundled requirement to

the GPE before issuing the solicitation of any bundled requirement (see 7.107-5(b)).

(h) Notice regarding timely definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under

construction contracts. When the contracting officer anticipates award of a contract to a small

business pursuant to a solicitation for construction, the contracting officer must transmit in the

solicitation notice on the GPE information regarding definitization of equitable adjustments for
change orders under construction contracts (see 36.211).

5.206 Notices of subcontracting opportunities.

(a) The following entities may transmit a notice to the GPE to seek competition for subcontracts, to

increase participation by HUBZone small business, small, small disadvantaged, women-owned small

business, veteran-owned small business and service-disabled veteran-owned small business

concerns, and to meet established subcontracting plan goals:

(1) A contractor awarded a contract exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold that is likely to

result in the award of any subcontracts.

(2) A subcontractor or supplier, at any tier, under a contract exceeding the simplified acquisition

threshold, that has a subcontracting opportunity exceeding $15,000.

(b) The notices must describe-

(1) The business opportunity;

(2) Any prequalification requirements; and

(3) Where to obtain technical data needed to respond to the requirement.

5.207 Preparation and transmittal of synopses.

(a) Content. Each synopsis transmitted to the GPE must address the following data elements, as

applicable:

(1) Action Code.

(2) Date.

(3) Year.

(4) Contracting Office ZIP Code.

(5) Product or Service Code.

(6) Contracting Office Address.

(7) Subject.

(8) Proposed Solicitation Number.

(9) Closing Response Date.

(10) Contact Point or Contracting Officer.

(11) Contract Award and Solicitation Number.

(12) Contract Award Dollar Amount.
(13) Line Item Number.

(14) Contract Award Date.

(15) Contractor.

(16) Description.

(17) Place of Contract Performance.

(18) Set-aside Status.

(b) Transmittal. Transmissions to the GPE must be in accordance with the interface description

available via the Internet at https://www.sam.gov.

(c) General format for "Description." Prepare a clear and concise description of the supplies or

services that is not unnecessarily restrictive of competition and will allow a prospective offeror to

make an informed business judgment as to whether a copy of the solicitation should be requested

including the following, as appropriate:

(1) National Stock Number (NSN) if assigned.

(2) Specification and whether an offeror, its product, or service must meet a qualification

requirement in order to be eligible for award, and identification of the office from which additional

information about the qualification requirement may be obtained (see subpart 9.2).

(3) Manufacturer, including part number, drawing number, etc.

(4) Size, dimensions, or other form, fit or functional description.

(5) Predominant material of manufacture.

(6) Quantity, including any options for additional quantities.

(7) Unit of issue.

(8) Destination information.

(9) Delivery schedule.

(10) Duration of the contract period.

(11) Sustainable acquisition requirements (or a description of high-performance sustainable building

practices required, if for design, construction, renovation, repair, or deconstruction) (see parts 23 or

36).

(12) For a proposed contract action in an amount estimated to be greater than $25,000 but not

greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, enter-

(i) A description of the procedures to be used in awarding the contract (e.g., request for oral or

written quotation or solicitation); and

(ii) The anticipated award date.
(13) For Architect-Engineer projects and other projects for which the product or service codes are

insufficient, provide brief details with respect to: location, scope of services required, cost range and

limitations, type of contract, estimated starting and completion dates, and any significant evaluation

factors.

(14)

(i) If the solicitation will include the FAR clause at 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade AgreementsIsraeli Trade Act, or an equivalent agency clause, insert the following notice in the synopsis: "One or

more of the items under this acquisition is subject to Free Trade Agreements."

(ii) If the solicitation will include the FAR clause at 52.225-5, Trade Agreements, or an equivalent

agency clause, insert the following notice in the synopsis: "One or more of the items under this

acquisition is subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and

Free Trade Agreements."

(iii) If the solicitation will include the FAR clause at 52.225-11, Buy American-Construction Materials

under Trade Agreements, 52.225-23, Required Use of American Iron, Steel, and Manufactured

Goods-Buy American Statute-Construction Materials under Trade Agreements, or an equivalent

agency clause, insert the following notice in the synopsis: "One or more of the items under this

acquisition is subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and

Free Trade Agreements."

(15) In the case of noncompetitive contract actions (including those that do not exceed the simplified

acquisition threshold), identify the intended source and insert a statement of the reason justifying

the lack of competition.

(16)

(i) Except when using the sole source authority at 6.302-1, insert a statement that all responsible

sources may submit a bid, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency.

(ii) When using the sole source authority at 6.302-1, insert a statement that all responsible sources

may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.

(17) If solicitations synopsized through the GPE will not be made available through the GPE, provide

information on how to obtain the solicitation.

(18) If the solicitation will be made available to interested parties through electronic data

interchange, provide any information necessary to obtain and respond to the solicitation

electronically.

(19) If the technical data required to respond to the solicitation will not be furnished as part of such

solicitation, identify the source in the Government, such as https://www.sam.gov, from which the

technical data may be obtained.

(d) Set-asides. When the proposed acquisition provides for a total or partial small business program

set-aside, or when the proposed acquisition provides for a local area set-aside (see subpart 26.2),

the contracting officer shall identify the type of set-aside in the synopsis and in the solicitation.

(e) Codes to be used in Synopses to identify services or supplies. Contracting officers must use one
of the classification codes identified at https://www.sam.gov to identify services or supplies in

synopses.

(f) Notice of solicitation cancellation. Contracting officers may publish notices of solicitation

cancellations (or indefinite suspensions) of proposed contract actions in the GPE.

Subpart 5.3 - Synopses of Contract Awards

5.301 General.

(a) Except for contract actions described in paragraph (b) of this section and as provided in 5.003,

contracting officers must synopsize through the GPE the following:

(1) Contract awards exceeding $25,000 that are-

(i) Covered by the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement or a Free Trade

Agreement (see subpart 25.4); or

(ii) Likely to result in the award of any subcontracts. However, the dollar threshold is not a

prohibition against publicizing an award of a smaller amount when publicizing would be

advantageous to industry or to the Government.

(2) Certain contract actions greater than the simplified acquisition threshold as follows-

(i) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) orders or Blanket Purchase Agreements supported by a limitedsource justification (excluding brand name) in accordance with 8.405-6; or

(ii) Task or delivery orders awarded without providing fair opportunity in accordance with

16.505(b)(2).

(3) A notice is not required under this section if the notice would disclose the executive agency’s

needs and the disclosure of such needs would compromise the national security.

(b) A notice is not required under paragraph (a)(1) of this section if-

(1) The award results from acceptance of an unsolicited research proposal that demonstrates a

unique and innovative research concept and publication of any notice would disclose the originality

of thought or innovativeness of the proposed research or would disclose proprietary information

associated with the proposal;

(2) The award results from a proposal submitted under the Small Business Innovation Development

Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97-219);

(3) The contract action is an order placed under subpart 16.5 or 8.4, except see paragraph (a)(2) of

this section;

(4) The award is made for perishable subsistence supplies;

(5) The award is for utility services, other than telecommunications services, and only one source is

available;
(6) The contract action-

(i) Is for an amount not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold;

(ii) Was made through a means where access to the notice of proposed contract action was provided

through the GPE; and

(iii) Permitted the public to respond to the solicitation electronically; or

(7) The award is for the services of an expert to support the Federal Government in any current or

anticipated litigation or dispute pursuant to the exception to full and open competition authorized at

6.302-3.

(c) With respect to acquisitions covered by the World Trade Organization Government Procurement

Agreement or a Free Trade Agreement, contracting officers must submit synopses in sufficient time

to permit their publication in the GPE not later than 60 days after award.

(d) Posting is required of the justifications for-

(1) Contracts awarded using other than full and open competition in accordance with 6.305;

(2) FSS orders or Blanket Purchase Agreements with an estimated value greater than the simplified

acquisition threshold and supported by a limited-sources justification (see 8.405-6(a)); or

(3) Task or delivery orders greater than the simplified acquisition threshold and awarded without

providing for fair opportunity in accordance with 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B) and (D).

5.302 Preparation and transmittal of synopses of awards.

Contracting officers shall transmit synopses of contract awards in the same manner as prescribed in

5.207.

5.303 Announcement of contract awards.

(a) Public announcement. Contracting officers shall make information available on awards over $4.5

million (unless another dollar amount is specified in agency acquisition regulations) in sufficient

time for the agency concerned to announce it by 5 p.m. Washington, DC, time on the day of award.

Agencies shall not release information on awards before the public release time of 5 p.m.

Washington, DC time. Contracts excluded from this reporting requirement include-

(1) Those placed with the Small Business Administration under Section 8(a) of the Small Business

Act;

(2) Those placed with foreign firms when the place of delivery or performance is outside the United

States and its outlying areas; and

(3) Those for which synopsis was exempted under 5.202(a)(1).

(b) Local announcement. Agencies may also release information on contract awards to the local

press or other media. When local announcements are made for contract awards in excess of the
simplified acquisition threshold, they shall include-

(1) For awards after sealed bidding, a statement that the contract was awarded after competition by

sealed bidding, the number of offers solicited and received, and the basis for selection (e.g., the

lowest responsible bidder); or

(2) For awards after negotiation, the information prescribed by 15.503(b), and after competitive

negotiation (either price or design competition), a statement to this effect, and in general terms the

basis for selection.

Subpart 5.4 - Release of Information

5.401 General.

(a) A high level of business security must be maintained in order to preserve the integrity of the

acquisition process. When it is necessary to obtain information from potential contractors and others

outside the Government for use in preparing Government estimates, contracting officers shall

ensure that the information is not publicized or discussed with potential contractors.

(b) Contracting officers may make available maximum information to the public, except information-

(1) On plans that would provide undue or discriminatory advantage to private or personal interests;

(2) Received in confidence from an offeror;

(3) Otherwise requiring protection under Freedom of Information Act (see subpart 24.2) or Privacy

Act (see subpart 24.1); or

(4) Pertaining to internal agency communications (e.g., technical reviews, contracting authority or

other reasons, or recommendations referring thereto).

(c) This policy applies to all Government personnel who participate directly or indirectly in any stage

of the acquisition cycle.

5.402 General public.

Contracting officers shall process requests for specific information from the general public,

including suppliers, in accordance with subpart 24.1 or 24.2, as appropriate.

5.403 Requests from Members of Congress.

Contracting officers shall give Members of Congress, upon their request, detailed information

regarding any particular contract. When responsiveness would result in disclosure of classified

matter, business confidential information, or information prejudicial to competitive acquisition, the

contracting officer shall refer the proposed reply, with full documentation, to the agency head and

inform the legislative liaison office of the action.
5.404 Release of long-range acquisition estimates.

To assist industry planning and to locate additional sources of supply, it may be desirable to

publicize estimates of unclassified long-range acquisition requirements. Estimates may be publicized

as far in advance as possible.

5.404-1 Release procedures.

(a) Application. The agency head, or a designee, may release long-range acquisition estimates if the

information will-

(1) Assist industry in its planning and facilitate meeting the acquisition requirements;

(2) Not encourage undesirable practices (e.g., attempts to corner the market or hoard industrial

materials); and

(3) Not indicate the existing or potential mobilization of the industry as a whole.

(b) Conditions. The agency head shall ensure that-

(1) Classified information is released through existing security channels in accordance with agency

security regulations;

(2) The information is publicized as widely as practicable to all parties simultaneously by any of the

means described in this part;

(3) Each release states that-

(i) The estimate is based on the best information available;

(ii) The information is subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government; and

(iii) More specific information relating to any individual item or class of items will not be furnished

until the proposed action is synopsized through the GPE or the solicitation is issued;

(4) Each release contains the name and address of the contracting officer that will process the

acquisition;

(5) Modifications to the original release are publicized as soon as possible, in the same manner as

the original; and

(6) Each release-

(i) Is coordinated in advance with small business, public information, and public relations personnel,

as appropriate;

(ii) Contains, if applicable, a statement that small business set-asides may be involved, but that a

determination can be made only when acquisition action is initiated; and

(iii) Contains the name or description of the item, and the estimated quantity to be acquired by

calendar quarter, fiscal year, or other period. It may also contain such additional information as the
number of units last acquired, the unit price, and the name of the last supplier.

5.404-2 Announcements of long-range acquisition estimates.

Further publicizing, consistent with the needs of the individual case, may be accomplished by

announcing through the GPE that long-range acquisition estimates have been published and are

obtainable, upon request, from the contracting officer.

5.405 Exchange of acquisition information.

(a) When the same item or class of items is being acquired by more than one agency, or by more

than one contracting activity within an agency, the exchange and coordination of pertinent

information, particularly cost and pricing data, between these agencies or contracting activities is

necessary to promote uniformity of treatment of major issues and the resolution of particularly

difficult or controversial issues. The exchange and coordination of information is particularly

beneficial during the period of acquisition planning, presolicitation, evaluation, and pre-award

survey.

(b) When substantial acquisitions of major items are involved or when the contracting activity deems

it desirable, the contracting activity shall request appropriate information (on both the end item and

on major subcontracted components) from other agencies or contracting activities responsible for

acquiring similar items. Each agency or contracting activity receiving such a request shall furnish

the information requested. The contracting officer, early in a negotiation of a contract, or in

connection with the review of a subcontract, shall request the contractor to furnish information as to

the contractor’s or subcontractor’s previous Government contracts and subcontracts for the same or

similar end items and major subcontractor components.

5.406 Public disclosure of justification documents for certain contract

actions.

(a) Justifications and approvals for other than full and open competition must be posted in

accordance with 6.305.

(b) Limited-source justifications (excluding brand name) for FSS orders or blanket purchase

agreements with an estimated value greater than the simplified acquisition threshold must be posted

in accordance with 8.405-6(a)(2).

(c) Justifications for task or delivery orders greater than the simplified acquisition threshold and

awarded without providing for fair opportunity must be posted in accordance with

16.505(b)(2)(ii)(D).

Subpart 5.5 - Paid Advertisements
5.501 Definitions.

As used in this subpartAdvertisement means any single message prepared for placement in communication media,

regardless of the number of placements.

Publication means–

(1) The placement of an advertisement in a newspaper, magazine, trade or professional journal, or

any other printed medium; or

(2) The broadcasting of an advertisement over radio or television.

5.502 Authority.

(a) Newspapers. Authority to approve the publication of paid advertisements in newspapers is vested

in the head of each agency (44 U.S.C.3702). This approval authority may be delegated (5

U.S.C.302(b)). Contracting officers shall obtain written authorization in accordance with policy

procedures before advertising in newspapers.

(b) Other media. Unless the agency head determines otherwise, advance written authorization is not

required to place advertisements in media other than newspapers.

5.503 Procedures.

(a) General.

(1) Orders for paid advertisements may be placed directly with the media or through an advertising

agency. Contracting officers shall give small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned,

HUBZone, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns maximum opportunity to

participate in these acquisitions.

(2) The contracting officer shall use the SF 1449 for paper solicitations. The SF 1449 shall be used to

make awards or place orders unless the award/order is made by using electronic commerce or by

using the Governmentwide commercial purchase card for micropurchases.

(b) Rates. Advertisements may be paid for at rates not over the commercial rates charged private

individuals, with the usual discounts (44 U.S.C. 3703).

(c) Proof of advertising. Every invoice for advertising shall be accompanied by a copy of the

advertisement or an affidavit of publication furnished by the publisher, radio or television station, or

advertising agency concerned (44 U.S.C. 3703). Paying offices shall retain the proof of advertising

until the Government Accountability Office settles the paying office’s account.

(d) Payment. Upon receipt of an invoice supported by proof of advertising, the contracting officer

shall attach a copy of the written authority (see 5.502(a)) and submit the invoice for payment under

agency procedures.
5.504 Use of advertising agencies.

(a) General. Basic ordering agreements may be placed with advertising agencies for assistance in

producing and placing advertisements when a significant number will be placed in several

publications and in national media. Services of advertising agencies include, but are not limited to,

counseling as to selection of the media for placement of the advertisement, contacting the media in

the interest of the Government, placing orders, selecting and ordering typography, copywriting, and

preparing rough layouts.

(b) Use of commission-paying media. The services of advertising agencies in placing advertising with

media often can be obtained at no cost to the Government, over and above the space cost, as many

media give advertising agencies a commission or discount on the space cost that is not given to the

Government.

(c) Use of noncommission-paying media. Some media do not grant advertising agencies a

commission or discount, meaning the Government can obtain the same rate as the advertising

agency. If the advertising agency agrees to place advertisements in noncommission-paying media as

a no-cost service, the basic ordering agreement shall so provide. If the advertising agency will not

agree to place advertisements at no cost, the agreement shall-

(1) Provide that the Government may place orders directly with the media; or

(2) Specify an amount that the Government will pay if the agency places the orders.

(d) Art work, supplies, and incidentals. The basic ordering agreement also may provide for the

furnishing by the advertising agency of art work, supplies, and incidentals, including brochures and

pamphlets, but not their printing. "Incidentals" may include telephone calls, and postage incurred by

the advertising agency on behalf of the Government.

Subpart 5.6 - Publicizing Multi-Agency Use Contracts

5.601 Governmentwide database of contracts.

(a) A Governmentwide database of contracts and other procurement instruments intended for use by

multiple agencies is available via the Internet at

https://www.contractdirectory.gov/contractdirectory/. This searchable database is a tool that may be

used to identify existing contracts and other procurement instruments that may be used to fulfill

Government needs.

(b) The contracting activity shall-

(1) Enter the information specified at https://www.contractdirectory.gov/contractdirectory/, in

accordance with the instructions on that website, within ten days of award of a Governmentwide

acquisition contract (GWAC), multi-agency contract, Federal Supply Schedule contract, or any other

procurement instrument intended for use by multiple agencies, including blanket purchase

agreements (BPAs) under Federal Supply Schedule contracts.

(2) Enter the information specified at https://www.contractdirectory.gov/contractdirectory/ in

accordance with the instructions on that website by October 31, 2003, for all contracts and other
procurement instruments intended for use by multiple agencies that were awarded before July 24,

2003.

Subpart 5.7 - Publicizing Requirements Under the American

Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

5.701 Scope.

This subpart prescribes posting requirements for presolicitation and award notices for actions

funded in whole or in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111-5)

(Recovery Act). The requirements of this subpart enhance transparency to the public.

5.702 Applicability.

This subpart applies to all actions expected to exceed $25,000 funded in whole or in part by the

Recovery Act. Unlike subparts 5.2 and 5.3, this subpart includes additional requirements for orders

and for actions that are not both fixed-price and competitive.

5.703 Definition.

As used in this subpartTask or delivery order contract means a "delivery order contract," and a "task order contract," as

defined in 16.501-1. For example, it includes Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs),

multi-agency contracts (MACs), and other indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts, whether

single award or multiple award. It also includes Federal Supply Schedule contracts (including

Blanket Purchase Agreements under subpart 8.4).

5.704 Publicizing preaward.

(a)

(1) Follow the publication procedures at 5.201.

(2) In addition, notices of proposed contract actions are required for orders exceeding $25,000,

funded in whole or in part by the Recovery Act, which are issued under task or delivery order

contracts. This does not include modifications to existing orders, but these modifications are covered

postaward, see 5.705. These notices are for "informational purposes only," therefore, 5.203 does not

apply. Contracting officers should concurrently use their usual solicitation practice (e.g., e-Buy).

(b) Contracting officers shall identify proposed contract actions, funded in whole or in part by the

Recovery Act, by using the following instructions which are also available in the Recovery FAQs

under "Buyers/Engineers" at the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE) ( https://www.sam.gov ):
(1) If submitting notices electronically via ftp or email, enter the word "Recovery" as the first word in

the title field.

(2) If using the GPE directly, select the "yes" radio button for the "Is this a Recovery and

Reinvestment Act action" field on the "Notice Details" form (Step 2) located below the "NAICS Code"

field. In addition, enter the word "Recovery" as the first word in the title field.

(c) In preparing the description required by 5.207(a)(16), use clear and concise language to describe

the planned procurement. Use descriptions of the goods and services (including construction), that

can be understood by the general public. Avoid the use of acronyms or terminology that is not widely

understood by the general public.

5.705 Publicizing postaward.

Follow usual publication procedures at 5.301, except that the following supersede the exceptions at

5.301(b)(2) through (7):

(a)

(1) Publicize the award notice for any action exceeding $500,000, funded in whole or in part by the

Recovery Act, including-

(i) Contracts;

(ii) Modifications to existing contracts;

(iii) Orders which are issued under task or delivery order contracts; and

(iv) Modifications to orders under task or delivery order contracts.

(2) Contracting officers shall identify contract actions, funded in whole or in part by the Recovery

Act, by using the following instructions which are also available in the Recovery FAQS under

"Buyers/Engineers" at the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE) ( https://www.sam.gov ):

(i) If submitting notices electronically via ftp or email, enter the word "Recovery" as the first word in

the title field.

(ii) If using the GPE directly, select the "yes" radio button for the "Is this a Recovery and

Reinvestment Act action" field on the "Notice Details" form (Step 2) located below the "NAICS Code"

field. In addition, enter the word "Recovery" as the first word in the title field.

(3) In preparing the description required by 5.207(a)(16), use clear and concise language to describe

the planned procurement. Use descriptions of the goods and services (including construction), that

can be understood by the general public. Avoid the use of acronyms or terminology that is not widely

understood by the general public.

(b) Regardless of dollar value, if the contract action, including all modifications and orders under

task or delivery order contracts, is not both fixed-price and competitively awarded, publicize the

award notice and include in the description the rationale for using other than a fixed-priced and/or

competitive approach. Include in the description a statement specifically noting if the contract

action was not awarded competitively, or was not fixed-price, or was neither competitive nor fixed-
price. These notices and the rationale will be available to the public at the GPE, so do not include

any proprietary information or information that would compromise national security. The following

table provides examples for when a rationale is required.

Posting of Rationale - Examples

Description of Contract Action Rationale Required

(1) A contract is competitively

awarded and is fixed-price. Not required.

(2) A contract is awarded that is not

fixed-price. Required.

(3) A contract is awarded without

competition. Required.

(4)

An order is issued under a new

or existing single award IDIQ

contract.

Required if order is made under a contract

described in paragraph (b)(2) or (3) of this

section.

(5)

An order is issued under a new

or existing multiple award IDIQ

contract.

Required if one or both of the following conditions

exist: (i) The order is not fixed-price. (ii) The

order is awarded pursuant to an exception to the

competition requirements applicable to the

underlying vehicle (e.g., award is made pursuant

to an exception to the fair opportunity process).

(6) A modification is issued.

Required if modification is made- (i) To a contract

described in (b)(2) or (3) of this section; or (ii) To

an order requiring posting as described in (b)(4)

or (5) of this section.

(7)

A contract or order is awarded

pursuant to a small business

contracting authority (e.g., SBA’s

section 8(a) program).

Required if one or both of the following conditions

exist: (i) the contract or order is not fixed-price;

(ii) the contract or order was not awarded using

competition (e.g., a non-competitive 8(a) award).

(c) Contracting officers shall use the instructions available in the Recovery FAQs under

"Buyers/Engineers" at the GPE ( https://www.sam.gov ) to identify actions funded in whole or in part

by the Recovery Act.