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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 14: Sealed Bidding › Subpart 14.1

FAR 14.101 Elements of sealed bidding.

The codified text (eCFR, as of 2026-10-02). Under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul ↗, agencies follow class deviations with new text for many parts while the formal rules go through the Federal Register: check the solicitation and your contract's clauses, which rule.

In plain English

This section describes sealed bidding, a contracting method using competitive bids, public bid opening, and award without discussions. It matters because it tells contractors how invitations are prepared and publicized, how bids must be submitted, and how the Government evaluates and awards the contract.

Applies to: Contracting parties using the sealed bidding method

What it requires

  • Prepare invitations for bids that describe the Government's requirements clearly, accurately, and completely
  • Avoid unnecessarily restrictive specifications or requirements that might unduly limit the number of bidders
  • Publicize invitations to prospective bidders, post them in public places, and use other appropriate means
  • Submit sealed bids to be opened at the time and place stated in the solicitation

Key terms: sealed bidding · invitation for bids · public opening of bids · responsible bidder · price-related factors

Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.

The text

Sealed bidding is a method of contracting that employs competitive bids, public opening of bids, and awards. The following steps are involved:

(a) Preparation of invitations for bids. Invitations must describe the requirements of the Government clearly, accurately, and completely. Unnecessarily restrictive specifications or requirements that might unduly limit the number of bidders are prohibited. The invitation includes all documents (whether attached or incorporated by reference) furnished prospective bidders for the purpose of bidding.

(b) Publicizing the invitation for bids. Invitations must be publicized through distribution to prospective bidders, posting in public places, and such other means as may be appropriate. Publicizing must occur a sufficient time before public opening of bids to enable prospective bidders to prepare and submit bids.

(c) Submission of bids. Bidders must submit sealed bids to be opened at the time and place stated in the solicitation for the public opening of bids.

(d) Evaluation of bids. Bids shall be evaluated without discussions.

(e) Contract award. After bids are publicly opened, an award will be made with reasonable promptness to that responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the invitation for bids, will be most advantageous to the Government, considering only price and the price-related factors included in the invitation.

Sections that refer to it

← 14.000 Scope of part. · 14.102 [Reserved] →

Rule changes for FAR Part 14

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.

FAR 14.101 Elements of sealed bidding · SpendQuery