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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 15: Contracting by Negotiation › Subpart 15.6

FAR 15.607 Criteria for acceptance and negotiation of an unsolicited proposal.

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 explains that a favorable evaluation of an unsolicited proposal does not automatically allow a sole-source contract without full and open competition. It lists reasons the agency must return a proposal and conditions the contracting officer must meet before negotiating on a sole-source basis.

Applies to: Contractors submitting unsolicited proposals and contracting officers evaluating them

What it requires

  • The agency point of contact shall return an unsolicited proposal to the offeror, citing reasons, when its substance meets certain criteria.
  • The contracting officer may commence negotiations on a sole source basis only when four conditions are met.

Key terms: unsolicited proposal · full and open competition · sole source basis · justification and approval · synopsis requirements

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

The text

(a) A favorable comprehensive evaluation of an unsolicited proposal does not, in itself, justify awarding a contract without providing for full and open competition. The agency point of contact shall return an unsolicited proposal to the offeror, citing reasons, when its substance—

(1) Is available to the Government without restriction from another source;

(2) Closely resembles a pending competitive acquisition requirement;

(3) Does not relate to the activity's mission; or

(4) Does not demonstrate an innovative and unique method, approach, or concept, or is otherwise not deemed a meritorious proposal.

(b) The contracting officer may commence negotiations on a sole source basis only when—

(1) An unsolicited proposal has received a favorable comprehensive evaluation;

(2) A justification and approval has been obtained (see 6.302-1(a)(2)(i) for research proposals or other appropriate provisions of subpart 6.3, and 6.303-2(c));

(3) The agency technical office sponsoring the contract furnishes the necessary funds; and

(4) The contracting officer has complied with the synopsis requirements of subpart 5.2.

Sections it refers to

  • 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
  • 6.303-2 Content.

← 15.606-2 Evaluation. · 15.608 Prohibitions. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 15

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

FAR 15.607 Criteria for acceptance and negotiation of an unsolicited proposal · SpendQuery