{
  "node_id": "us-far-part-14-sealed-bidding",
  "title": "FAR Part 14 - Sealed Bidding (Invitation for Bids, Bid Opening, Award)",
  "domain": "Public Sector & Government Procurement",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "last_updated": "2026-06-01",
  "bluf": "Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 14 prescribes the sealed-bidding procedures used when all four FAR 6.401(a) conditions are met (time permits solicitation, award on price and price-related factors, discussions unnecessary, multiple bids expected): Subpart 14.1 requires the contracting officer to prepare Invitations for Bids using the Uniform Contract Format (Table 14-1) with a Schedule, Contract Clauses, Documents and Exhibits, and Representations and Instructions; Subpart 14.2 requires a reasonable bidding time (minimum 30 calendar days where synopsis is required under Subpart 5.2), restricts the use of bid samples and descriptive literature to characteristics that cannot be adequately specified in writing, and prescribes amendment and cancellation rules; Subpart 14.3 imposes the responsiveness test that a bid must comply in all material respects with the IFB to be considered for award; Subpart 14.4 governs bid opening, evaluation, and award - bids are opened publicly, late bids handled under 14.304, and award goes to the responsible bidder whose responsive bid is most advantageous to the Government considering only price and price-related factors; Subpart 14.5 provides the two-step sealed bidding procedure for procurements where complete specifications are not available (step one technical proposal evaluation, step two competitive sealed bidding among technically acceptable offerors). Cancellation after bid opening requires a compelling reason under 14.404-1.",
  "paywall": {
    "status": "LOCKED",
    "unlock_cost_usd": "0.01",
    "skyfire_id": "41779894-ece2-4163-9761-b3b1b76e19b0"
  },
  "crosswalks": {
    "_available_keys": [
      "statutory_basis",
      "uniform_contract_format",
      "industry_mapping",
      "responsiveness_vs_responsibility",
      "late_bid_rules",
      "two_step_sealed_bidding"
    ],
    "_note": "Full crosswalk values included in vault response"
  },
  "dependencies": [
    "us-far-part-6-competition-requirements",
    "us-41-usc-3301-full-open-competition-federal-procurement",
    "us-31-usc-3553-gao-bid-protest-review"
  ],
  "primary_citations_count": 6
}