Invitation for bid (IFB)

Sealed bidding is governed by FAR Part 14. The agency issues an IFB with clear specifications, bidders submit sealed bids, and the bids are opened in public at the stated time. Award is made on price and price-related factors to a responsible bidder whose bid is responsive, meaning it meets every material term of the invitation (FAR 14.101).

Because there are no discussions and no technical tradeoffs, an IFB suits requirements that can be specified precisely, such as many construction projects and standard supplies.

A bid that changes the terms, omits a required form or bid guarantee, misses an amendment acknowledgment or arrives late is usually rejected as nonresponsive or late, whatever its price. Read the bid schedule and every instruction before pricing.

States, counties and cities use the same method, often called an invitation to bid (ITB) or a request for bids, and it is common for construction and commodity purchases under the low-bid rules of state procurement codes.

Because there is no chance to fix a bid after opening, the review before submission matters more than usual. Check every price against the bid schedule, confirm the bid guarantee and any required certifications, and make sure each amendment is acknowledged in the way the invitation asks.