What does “Unsolicited Proposal” mean in FAR?

An unsolicited proposal, as defined by the FAR, refers to a proposal submitted by a contractor without an official request or pre-existing solicitation from the government. This type of proposal aims to introduce innovative ideas or solutions that the contractor believes may benefit the government, often intending to secure funding or a contract without having been specifically invited to do so. The contractor takes the initiative to present their concept, showcasing its merit and potential alignment with government needs.

This definition is consistent with the FAR, which outlines how unsolicited proposals can be evaluated and considered by federal agencies. They provide a pathway for contractors to propose new ideas or technologies that may not have been anticipated by the government, thereby fostering innovation and improving efficiency in government operations.

In contrast, the other choices reflect requirements or conditions that do not align with the nature of unsolicited proposals. For instance, the notion of a required submission following a government request describes a response to solicitations rather than an unsolicited initiative. Similarly, proposals requiring immediate funding approval or guaranteeing a contract award do not accurately capture the essence of unsolicited proposals, which are subject to review and competition without a guarantee of funding or contract award.