FAR 15.508—Discovery of mistakes.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 15.508 addresses what happens when a contractor discovers a mistake in its proposal only after award has already been made. The section is very short, but it points to an important remedial process: the mistake must be handled substantially under the same procedures used for mistakes in bids at FAR 14.407-4. In practice, this means the contracting officer and contractor must treat the issue as a post-award mistake claim, with careful review of the facts, the timing of the discovery, the nature of the error, and the evidence supporting the alleged mistake. The section exists to provide a fair mechanism for correcting or resolving genuine proposal mistakes without undermining the integrity of the award process. It matters because post-award mistakes can affect price, performance obligations, and contract administration, and they often require a formal record showing whether relief is appropriate and what form it should take.
Key Rules
Post-award mistakes covered
This section applies when a mistake in a contractor’s proposal is discovered after contract award. It does not create a separate standalone procedure; instead, it directs the parties to use the bid-mistake framework as the governing model.
Use bid-mistake procedures
The mistake must be processed substantially in accordance with FAR 14.407-4, which is the regulation for mistakes in bids after award. That means the contracting officer should follow the same general approach to investigation, documentation, and decision-making used for post-award bid mistakes.
Evidence and timing matter
The contractor must be able to show that a mistake actually existed in the proposal and that the claim is credible. The later the mistake is raised, the more important it becomes to have clear supporting evidence and a convincing explanation of how the error occurred.
Relief is not automatic
Discovery of a mistake after award does not automatically entitle the contractor to contract correction, reformation, or rescission. Any relief depends on the facts, the applicable procedures, and the contracting officer’s authority and findings.
Protect the record
Because post-award mistake claims can affect contract price and enforceability, the contracting officer should develop a complete file showing the alleged error, the supporting evidence, the analysis performed, and the basis for the final decision.
Responsibilities
Contractor
Promptly notify the contracting officer if it discovers a mistake in its proposal after award, and provide clear evidence describing the nature of the error, how it occurred, and what relief is being requested.
Contracting Officer
Review the alleged mistake, apply procedures substantially consistent with FAR 14.407-4, evaluate the evidence, document the file, and determine the appropriate disposition within the limits of authority.
Agency
Ensure contracting personnel follow the required post-award mistake procedures and maintain a defensible administrative record for any correction, reformation, or denial of relief.
Practical Implications
This section is a cross-reference, so users must read FAR 14.407-4 to understand the actual process and possible outcomes.
Contractors should raise discovered mistakes quickly; delay can make the claim harder to prove and may complicate performance or payment issues.
Contracting officers should not treat every claimed error as grounds for relief; the contractor must substantiate the mistake with credible evidence.
A strong contract file is essential because post-award mistake disputes can later become claims, protests, or litigation issues.
The practical goal is to balance fairness to the contractor with protection of the Government’s interest in the finality and integrity of the award.
Official Regulatory Text
Mistakes in a contractor’s proposal that are disclosed after award shall be processed substantially in accordance with the procedures for mistakes in bids at 14.407-4 .