What does FAR Part 14 govern?

FAR Part 14 specifically governs sealed bidding, which is a formal procurement method used by federal agencies when the value of the contract is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. This part provides the procedures for obtaining competitive bids, ensuring that all potential bidders adhere to the requirements outlined in the solicitation.

Sealed bidding is characterized by the submission of bids without revealing any details about the bid contents until a specified time. This method emphasizes transparency and competition, as it allows multiple suppliers to have an equal opportunity to provide their best offer in response to a government solicitation. FAR Part 14 delineates how bids should be solicited, how offers are evaluated, and the conditions under which a contract is awarded, focusing on ensuring fairness and integrity in the procurement process.

The other options address different procurement methods governed by other parts of the FAR. Contracting by negotiations falls under FAR Part 15, while simplified acquisition procedures are outlined in FAR Part 13. Emergency acquisitions are addressed in FAR Part 18. Each of these parts has its own specific rules and guidelines tailored to the nature of those procurement methods.