Invitation for Bid(IFB)
A solicitation method where the government awards a contract to the lowest-priced responsive, responsible bidder through sealed bidding.
Overview
An Invitation for Bid (IFB) is the solicitation document used in sealed bidding — the most straightforward method of government procurement. Bids are opened publicly, and the contract is awarded to the lowest-priced bidder whose offer conforms to all solicitation requirements and who is determined to be a responsible contractor. There are no negotiations.
Why It Matters in GovCon
IFBs are common in construction, commodities, and other well-defined requirements where the government can specify exactly what it needs. Winning an IFB comes down entirely to price (assuming you meet all technical requirements), making accurate cost estimating the critical success factor.
Key Details
- Sealed Bidding: Bids are submitted in sealed envelopes (or electronically) and opened publicly at a specified time. No discussions or negotiations occur.
- Responsiveness: A bid must comply with all material terms of the IFB (delivery schedule, specifications, certifications, etc.) to be considered.
- Responsibility: The bidder must have adequate financial resources, the ability to perform, a satisfactory record, and required certifications.
- Award Criteria: Strictly lowest price among responsive, responsible bidders.
- FAR Part 14: Governs the sealed bidding process.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data surfaces IFB opportunities across federal and SLED markets so you can identify sealed bid opportunities matched to your capabilities and NAICS codes.
Related Terms
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA)
- Best Value
- Sealed Bidding
More Solicitations Terms
A procurement approach where the government selects the offer that provides the greatest overall benefit, considering factors beyond just price.
The group of offerors selected by the government as having a reasonable chance of being awarded the contract, based on initial proposal evaluations.
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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