If no mistakes are found, after certain other administrative steps, the CO awards the contract to that responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid. Conditions, informalities, or defects in the bid that affect the price, quantity, quality, or delivery of the items being acquired by the agency will result in rejection of the bid. The FAR also requires an affirmative finding of responsibility prior to awarding the contract to the lowest bidder. To be determined responsible, the prospective awardee must have the ability and capacity to perform the contract. Beyond responsiveness and responsibility, the CO may only consider price and price related factors during evaluation of the bids.
Award is made by furnishing a properly executed award document to the successful bidder.