---
kind: "section"
citation: "48 C.F.R. § 15.607"
title: "48"
number: "15.607"
heading: "Criteria for acceptance and negotiation of an unsolicited proposal."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/48/15.607"
---

# §15.607. Criteria for acceptance and negotiation of an unsolicited proposal.

- (a) A favorable comprehensive evaluation of an unsolicited proposal does not, in itself, justify awarding a contract without providing for full and open competition. The agency point of contact shall return an unsolicited proposal to the offeror, citing reasons, when its substance—
  - (1) Is available to the Government without restriction from another source;
  - (2) Closely resembles a pending competitive acquisition requirement;
  - (3) Does not relate to the activity's mission; or
  - (4) Does not demonstrate an innovative and unique method, approach, or concept, or is otherwise not deemed a meritorious proposal.
- (b) The contracting officer may commence negotiations on a sole source basis only when—
  - (1) An unsolicited proposal has received a favorable comprehensive evaluation;
  - (2) A justification and approval has been obtained (see 6.302-1(a)(2)(i) for research proposals or other appropriate provisions of [subpart 6.3](/cfr/48/subpart6.3.md), and 6.303-2(c));
  - (3) The agency technical office sponsoring the contract furnishes the necessary funds; and
  - (4) The contracting officer has complied with the synopsis requirements of [subpart 5.2](/cfr/48/subpart5.2.md).

## Notes

### Amendments

[62 FR 51230, Sept. 30, 1997, as amended at 76 FR 14562, Mar. 16, 2011]

### Authority

Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1121(b); 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 4 and 10 U.S.C. chapter 137 legacy provisions (see 10 U.S.C. 3016); and 51 U.S.C. 20113.

### Source

Source: 62 FR 51230, Sept. 30, 1997, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[62 FR 51230, Sept. 30, 1997, as amended at 76 FR 14562, Mar. 16, 2011]