Competitive Range
The group of offerors selected by the government as having a reasonable chance of being awarded the contract, based on initial proposal evaluations.
Overview
The competitive range is the subset of proposals that the government determines have a reasonable chance of being selected for award after initial evaluations. Only offerors in the competitive range are invited to participate in discussions (negotiations) with the agency. Those outside the competitive range are eliminated from competition.
Why It Matters in GovCon
Making the competitive range is the critical first hurdle in a negotiated procurement. If your proposal does not clear this bar, you are out — no chance to improve your offer or address weaknesses. This is why initial proposal quality matters so much.
Key Details
- Determination: Based on ratings across all evaluation factors (technical, past performance, price) relative to the solicitation's stated criteria.
- Discussions: The government holds discussions with competitive range offerors, pointing out weaknesses and deficiencies so they can submit revised proposals (Final Proposal Revisions).
- Efficiency: The CO may limit the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit efficient competition.
- Notification: Offerors excluded from the competitive range receive written notice and may request a debriefing.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data's AI proposal tools help you write stronger initial submissions that address evaluation criteria directly, improving your chances of making the competitive range on the first pass.
Related Terms
- Best Value
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Debriefing
- Final Proposal Revision
More Solicitations Terms
A procurement approach where the government selects the offer that provides the greatest overall benefit, considering factors beyond just price.
A solicitation method where the government awards a contract to the lowest-priced responsive, responsible bidder through sealed bidding.
A source selection method where the contract is awarded to the lowest-priced offeror whose proposal meets all technical requirements.
A document that describes required contract outcomes and performance standards rather than prescribing how the work should be done.
A pre-solicitation document where the government seeks industry input on requirements, capabilities, and market conditions before issuing a formal solicitation.
A formal solicitation document inviting contractors to submit proposals that will be evaluated on technical merit, past performance, and price.
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