Notice of Award(NOA)
A formal notification to the successful offeror that the government has selected them for contract award.
Overview
A Notice of Award (NOA) is the government's official communication to the winning bidder that their proposal has been accepted and a contract will be awarded. The NOA may be a letter, email, or formal document that instructs the contractor on next steps — such as signing the contract, providing bonds, or submitting additional documentation.
Why It Matters in GovCon
Receiving an NOA is a major milestone, but it does not always mean the contract is final. Protests can stay performance, and the government may withdraw the award under certain circumstances. Contractors should carefully review the NOA for any conditions or deadlines and avoid publicizing the win until the protest period has passed.
Key Details
- Precedes Contract: The NOA typically precedes the formal contract document.
- Protest Period: GAO protests must generally be filed within 10 days of award knowledge.
- Debriefing: Unsuccessful offerors may request a debriefing before the protest clock runs.
- Public Notice: Awards are often posted on SAM.gov and agency websites.
Related Terms
- Contract Award
- Debriefing
- Protest
- Contract Execution
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 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.
Ready to Win More Contracts?
Use GovCon Data to find opportunities matched to your business and generate winning proposals with AI.