FAR 15.502—Applicability.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 15.502 explains when the source-selection and proposal-related procedures in Subpart 15.5 apply. It states that the subpart governs competitive proposals under FAR 6.102(b) and also applies to acquisitions using a combination of competitive procedures under FAR 6.102(c). The section also points contracting officers to specific procedures in FAR 15.504, 15.506, 15.507, 15.508, and 15.509 and says those procedures should be followed, with reasonable modification, for sole-source acquisitions and for the limited acquisition situations described in FAR 6.102(d)(1) and (2). In practice, this section is a scope-and-cross-reference rule: it tells agencies when the formal proposal process framework is mandatory, and when it should be adapted rather than ignored. For contractors, it signals that even noncompetitive or special acquisition methods may still use many of the same proposal-handling and debriefing-related procedures. For contracting officers, it is a reminder to apply the right level of process based on the acquisition method and to preserve fairness, documentation, and consistency.
Key Rules
Applies to competitive proposals
This subpart governs acquisitions conducted using competitive proposals under FAR 6.102(b). When an agency uses this method, the procedures in Subpart 15.5 are the baseline framework for handling proposals and source selection.
Applies to mixed competitive procedures
The subpart also applies to acquisitions that combine competitive procedures under FAR 6.102(c). Agencies must use the Subpart 15.5 framework even when the acquisition blends different competition approaches.
Key procedures are identified
The section specifically points to FAR 15.504, 15.506, 15.507, 15.508, and 15.509. These are the core procedures that govern proposal handling, exchanges, debriefing-related matters, and related source-selection steps.
Reasonable modification allowed
For sole-source acquisitions and the acquisitions described in FAR 6.102(d)(1) and (2), the cited procedures should be followed with reasonable modification. This means the agency should adapt the procedures to fit the noncompetitive or special acquisition context rather than apply them mechanically.
Scope is procedural, not substantive
This section does not create a new competition requirement or source-selection standard. Its function is to define when Subpart 15.5 procedures apply and how they should be adapted in related acquisition types.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the acquisition is a competitive proposal, a combination of competitive procedures, a sole-source acquisition, or one of the special acquisitions in FAR 6.102(d)(1) or (2). Apply the referenced Subpart 15.5 procedures as written when applicable, or modify them reasonably when the acquisition method calls for adaptation.
Agency
Use acquisition procedures that match the chosen procurement method and ensure internal source-selection and proposal-handling practices align with Subpart 15.5 when required. Support reasonable procedural modifications for sole-source or special acquisitions while maintaining fairness and proper documentation.
Offerors/Contractors
Understand that proposal-related procedures may apply in competitive and some noncompetitive contexts, and follow the solicitation instructions and proposal submission rules that flow from the applicable Subpart 15.5 procedures. Be prepared for proposal exchanges, evaluation-related communications, and debriefing-related processes where applicable.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly a roadmap: it tells acquisition teams which proposal procedures to use based on the procurement method, so misclassifying the acquisition can lead to using the wrong process.
The phrase "reasonable modification" is important because it gives flexibility, but it also creates risk if agencies change procedures too much or too little without documenting why.
Contractors should not assume that sole-source means no proposal procedures at all; some of the same steps may still be used in adapted form.
Contracting officers should pay close attention to the cross-references in 15.504, 15.506, 15.507, 15.508, and 15.509, because this section depends on those procedures for practical implementation.
A common pitfall is treating Subpart 15.5 as automatically inapplicable outside full and open competition; this section makes clear that certain noncompetitive and special acquisitions may still use those procedures with adjustments.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart applies to competitive proposals, as described in 6.102 (b), and a combination of competitive procedures, as described in 6.102 (c). The procedures in 15.504 , 15.506 , 15.507 , 15.508 , and 15.509 , with reasonable modification, should be followed for sole source acquisitions and acquisitions described in 6.102 (d)(1) and (2).