Debriefing

Under FAR 15.505, an offeror excluded from the competitive range may request a preaward debriefing in writing within three days of the notice. Under FAR 15.506, an unsuccessful offeror may request a postaward debriefing in writing within three days of receiving notice of the award, and the agency should hold it within five days of the request to the maximum extent practicable.

A postaward debriefing covers at least the significant weaknesses or deficiencies in your proposal, the overall evaluated price and technical rating of the winner and of your proposal, the overall ranking where one was made, a summary of the rationale for award, and answers to relevant questions. It does not include point-by-point comparisons with other offerors.

Requesting on time protects your rights. A timely requested, required debriefing can affect the deadline to file a bid protest with the GAO. Orders under IDIQ contracts and schedule buys have their own, narrower rules, so check the clause or the ordering procedures.

Write down every weakness and strength, find the root cause, and change how the next proposal is written. A debrief is the most direct feedback you will get on how evaluators read your work. State and local rules vary widely; many jurisdictions offer a debrief meeting or let you review the scoring after award.