Learn the Rationale for Contract Award Decisions: Request a Debriefing
Federal statutes and regulations provide unsuccessful competitors/offerors in federally negotiated procurements the right to a "debriefing" from the contracting agency. Debriefings are not required when sealed bidding procedures are used.

What Is A Debriefing?
A debriefing is a formal meeting between Government personnel and an offeror (usually the unsuccessful offeror) for a particular procurement to explain the rationale for the contract award decision. The debriefing normally occurs after the Government has awarded a contract (FAR 15.506) for that procurement, however, a debriefing may, in some instances, be conducted prior to award (FAR 15.505). The Government can give a debriefing to either the successful or unsuccessful offerors.

Debriefings may be conducted orally, in person or by telephone; in writing; or by any other method acceptable to the contracting officer.

The Purpose of a Debriefing
Debriefings serve a number of important interests in the acquisition process. Considerable time and money is invested in preparing and submitting a proposal. By explaining the rationale for the award decision, unsuccessful offerors may understand and accept the reasons for the Government's choice ? and, as a result, feel they have been treated fairly.

By learning the deficiencies in his proposal, the unsuccessful offeror may avoid repeating the same mistakes in future proposals. Ultimately, the Government may broaden the field of competition and obtain better offers.

What a Debriefing is Not
A debriefing will not provide information related to the number or identity of offerors, or a page-by-page analysis of either the successful or unsuccessful offeror?s proposals. Nor will the Government provide a point-by-point comparison between the successful and unsuccessful offeror's proposals. Finally, the debriefing will not serve as a platform to debate or defend the Government's award decision or evaluation results.

Time is of the Essence
There are two critical requirements when requesting a debriefing. The debriefing request must be in writing; and the debriefing request must be received by the agency within three calendar days after the date on which the offeror receives notification of exclusion from the competition or award. Because timing is key in terms of the regulations, it is important to check the latest rules and revisions regarding the following: a) the date notice was "received" by the offeror, b) the date request was written, and c) the date it was received by the agency.

For More Information
Call your local LA PTAC counselor if you have questions about this or any other procurement related issue.