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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 36: Construction and Architect-engineer Contracts › Subpart 36.2

FAR 36.213-3 Invitations for bids.

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 how contracting officers must prepare and distribute invitations for bids for construction projects. It requires giving bidders enough time to prepare their bids and ensures that invitations include key information like wage determinations, project magnitude, and site inspection arrangements. For contractors, this means you should receive clear details and adequate time to submit a complete bid.

Applies to: Contracting officers issuing invitations for bids for construction contracts.

What it requires

  • Allow sufficient time for bid preparation between invitation distribution and bid opening.
  • Prepare invitations for bids according to subpart 14.2 and part 53 forms.
  • Send invitations to prospective bidders who requested them in response to the presolicitation notice.

Key terms: invitations for bids · construction · bid preparation · wage determination · prebid conference

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

The text

(a) Invitations for bids for construction shall allow sufficient time for bid preparation (i.e., the period of time between the date invitations are distributed and the date set for opening of bids) (but see 5.203 and 14.202-1) to allow bidders an adequate opportunity to prepare and submit their bids, giving due regard to the construction season and the time necessary for bidders to inspect the site, obtain subcontract bids, examine data concerning the work, and prepare estimates based on plans and specifications.

(b) Invitations for bids shall be prepared in accordance with subpart 14.2 and this section using the forms prescribed in part 53.

(c) Contracting officers should assure that each invitation for bids includes the following information, when applicable:

(1) The appropriate wage determination of the Secretary of Labor (see subpart 22.4), or, if the invitation for bids must be issued before the wage determination is received, a notice that the schedule of minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract will be issued as an amendment to the invitation for bids before the opening date for bids (see 14.208 and 22.404-3(b)).

(2) The Performance of Work by the Contractor clause (see 36.501 and 52.236-1).

(3) The magnitude of the proposed construction project (see 36.204).

(4) The period of performance (see subpart 11.4).

(5) Arrangements made for bidders to inspect the site and examine the data concerning performance of the work (see 36.210).

(6) Information concerning any facilities, such as utilities, office space, and warehouse space, to be furnished during construction.

(7) Information concerning the prebid conference (see 14.207).

(8) Any special qualifications or experience requirements that will be considered in determining the responsibility of bidders (see subpart 9.1).

(9) Any special instructions concerning bids, alternate bids, and award.

(10) Any instructions concerning reporting requirements.

(d) The contracting officer shall send invitations for bids to prospective bidders who requested them in response to the presolicitation notice, and should send them to other prospective bidders upon their specific request (see 5.102(a)).

Sections it refers to

  • 5.203 Publicizing and response time.
  • 14.202-1 Bidding time.
  • 14.208 Amendment of invitation for bids.
  • 22.404-3 Procedures for requesting wage determinations.
  • 36.501 Performance of work by the contractor.
  • 52.236-1 Performance of Work by the Contractor.
  • 36.204 Disclosure of the magnitude of construction projects.
  • 36.210 Inspection of site and examination of data.
  • 14.207 Pre-bid conference.
  • 5.102 Availability of solicitations.

Sections that refer to it

← 36.213-2 Presolicitation notices. · 36.213-4 Notice of award. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 36

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

FAR 36.213-3 Invitations for bids · SpendQuery