Industry classification used to determine small business size standards and market segments.

Confidentiality agreement protecting sensitive information shared during capture and proposal phases.

Customer-completed survey confirming performance quality and relevance for prior contracts.

Proposal section showing relevant, recent contract results and customer satisfaction evidence.

Buyer-led meeting (often with site visit) to brief vendors and address questions before proposals are due.

Proposal section detailing pricing, basis of estimate, and cost realism as required by the solicitation.

A vendor’s formal offer responding to a solicitation’s requirements and evaluation factors.

A legal challenge to the terms of a solicitation or to the award decision.

Outcome-based scope that specifies results and performance standards rather than prescriptive tasks.

Market research tool used to gather non-binding information from potential suppliers before a solicitation.

Formal solicitation inviting vendors to propose solutions and pricing for a defined need.

Solicitation for price quotes where requirements are well-defined and price dominates the decision.