Lowest Price Technically Acceptable(LPTA)
A source selection method where the contract is awarded to the lowest-priced offeror whose proposal meets all technical requirements.
Overview
Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) is a source selection process where the government evaluates proposals on a pass/fail basis for technical requirements and then awards to the lowest-priced offeror that passes. Unlike best value, there is no tradeoff — technical excellence above the "acceptable" threshold provides no advantage.
Why It Matters in GovCon
LPTA procurements are price wars. Your technical proposal must pass every evaluation criterion, but investing in a superior technical approach brings no benefit. Strategy shifts entirely to efficient pricing — how lean can you be while still meeting every requirement? Understanding when LPTA applies helps you decide whether to bid and how to allocate proposal resources.
Key Details
- Pass/Fail Technical Evaluation: Proposals either meet the acceptability standards or they do not. There is no scoring or ranking of technical merit.
- Price is Decisive: Among all technically acceptable proposals, the lowest price wins.
- When Used: Appropriate when requirements are well-defined, risk is low, and technical approaches among competitors are likely to be similar (e.g., commodity services, commercial items).
- FAR Restrictions: FAR 15.101-2 limits LPTA use and requires agencies to document why it is appropriate. LPTA should not be used for complex requirements where innovation matters.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data's opportunity analysis tools identify whether solicitations use LPTA or best value criteria, helping you calibrate your bid/no-bid decisions and pricing strategy.
Related Terms
- Best Value
- Invitation for Bid (IFB)
- Source Selection
- Competitive Range
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 solicitation method where the government awards a contract to the lowest-priced responsive, responsible bidder through sealed bidding.
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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