FAR Part 5: Publicizing Contract Actions

In plain English

FAR Part 5 requires contracting officers to publicize contract opportunities and awards to increase competition and help small businesses. It covers synopses in the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE), exceptions, response times, and special notice rules. For contractors, it explains where and when opportunities are announced and what information is made public.

Key rules

• Contracting officers must publicize proposed contract actions expected to exceed $25,000 by synopsizing in the GPE. (5.101, 5.201)
• For proposed actions over $20,000 but not over $25,000, agencies must display a notice or solicitation in a public place or by electronic means. (5.101)
• Solicitations synopsized through the GPE must be made available through the GPE, including specifications and technical data. (5.102)
• Notices of proposed contract actions must generally be published at least 15 days before solicitation issuance. (5.203)
• Contract awards exceeding $25,000 must be synopsized through the GPE if covered by trade agreements or likely to result in subcontracts. (5.301)
• Agencies must announce awards over $5.5 million by 5 p.m. Washington, DC time on the day of award, with certain exclusions. (5.303)
• Contractors awarded contracts exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold may transmit notices of subcontracting opportunities to the GPE. (5.206)
• Justifications for other than full and open competition must be posted in accordance with 6.305. (5.406)

Who does what

In practice

• Watch the GPE (SAM.gov) for synopses of proposed contract actions over $25,000 to find opportunities.
• Expect solicitations to be available through the GPE, often with specifications and technical data.
• For awards over $5.5 million, public announcement occurs at 5 p.m. Washington, DC time on award day.
• If you are a prime contractor, you can post subcontracting opportunities to the GPE to reach small businesses.

Common pitfalls

• Do not assume all contract actions are publicized; exceptions in 5.202 and special situations in 5.205 may apply.
• Do not rely on a presolicitation notice as the solicitation; the solicitation is issued separately after the notice.
• Do not release award information before 5 p.m. Washington, DC time on the day of award for awards over $5.5 million.
• Do not ignore the requirement to post justifications for other than full and open competition; they must be made public.

Written by AI from this part's codified text (2026-10-04); cited sections are checked against the part. A guide, not legal advice: the regulation text, the solicitation and your contract rule.