FAR 52.214-15—Period for Acceptance of Bids.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.214-15, Period for Acceptance of Bids, is a sealed bidding provision that tells bidders how long their bids remain open for government acceptance and what happens if the government accepts within that period. It covers the bidder’s promise to honor the bid prices, the default acceptance period of 60 calendar days, the bidder’s ability to propose a different acceptance period by filling in the blank, the requirement to furnish any or all bid items at the stated prices if accepted, delivery to the designated point or points, and performance within the schedule specified in the solicitation. In practice, this provision protects the government by ensuring bids remain available long enough for evaluation and award, while also giving bidders a clear time limit on how long they are bound by their offers. It is especially important in sealed bidding because award is generally made to the responsible bidder whose bid is responsive and most advantageous to the government, and the bid must still be open when the award is made. Contractors should understand that this is a binding offer period, not merely an administrative deadline, and contracting officers must ensure the solicitation and award timeline fit within the stated acceptance period or that the bid remains valid through proper extension or other lawful action.
Key Rules
Bid remains open for acceptance
The bidder agrees that the bid may be accepted within the stated number of calendar days after bid opening/receipt date specified in the solicitation. If the government accepts within that period, the bidder is bound to perform at the bid prices.
Default is 60 calendar days
If the bidder does not insert a different period, the acceptance period is 60 calendar days. This default gives the government a standard window to evaluate bids and make award.
Bidder may propose a different period
The blank allows the bidder to specify a different acceptance period, but only if the solicitation permits that approach and the bidder clearly completes the provision. Any change should be carefully reviewed for responsiveness and consistency with the solicitation.
Acceptance creates a performance obligation
If accepted in time, the bidder must furnish any or all items on which prices were bid at the stated prices, delivered to the designated point or points, and within the schedule in the solicitation. The provision ties acceptance directly to the bidder’s commitment to perform.
Applies to items bid, not just the whole bid
The language covers 'any or all items upon which prices are bid,' meaning the government may accept the bid as to some or all line items if the solicitation and bid structure allow partial award.
Schedule and delivery terms control performance
The bidder’s obligation is not limited to price; it also includes delivery at the designated location(s) and within the time specified in the Schedule. Those solicitation terms become part of the binding commitment upon acceptance.
Responsibilities
Bidder/Contractor
Keep the bid open for the stated acceptance period, honor the bid prices if accepted within that period, and perform delivery and schedule obligations for any accepted items. If proposing a different acceptance period, clearly insert it in the blank and ensure it is consistent with the solicitation requirements.
Contracting Officer
Include the provision when required, ensure the solicitation states the correct receipt date and acceptance period, evaluate whether the bid remains valid at the time of award, and avoid making award after the bid has expired unless the bidder extends the offer or another lawful basis exists.
Agency/Procuring Activity
Structure the acquisition timeline so bid evaluation, responsibility determinations, and award can be completed within the bid acceptance period or with a valid extension. The agency must also ensure the solicitation schedule and delivery requirements are clear enough for bidders to bind themselves accurately.
Practical Implications
This provision is a timing safeguard: if award is delayed beyond the acceptance period, the government may lose the ability to accept the bid without an extension, which can disrupt the procurement.
Bidders should track the acceptance deadline carefully; once the period expires, the government generally cannot accept the bid as submitted, and the bidder may no longer be bound by the original prices.
Contracting officers should confirm that the bid is still open before award, especially in procurements with lengthy evaluations, protests, or internal approvals.
A bidder’s attempt to change the acceptance period can affect responsiveness or create ambiguity if not done exactly as the solicitation allows; careless edits can make a bid unacceptable.
The provision also reinforces that acceptance binds the bidder to more than price alone: delivery location, quantity accepted, and schedule terms all become enforceable obligations once award is made.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 14.201-6 (i) , insert the following provision: Period for Acceptance of Bids (Apr 1984) In compliance with the solicitation, the bidder agrees, if this bid is accepted within ______ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the bidder) from the date specified in the solicitation for receipt of bids, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are bid at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the Schedule. (End of provision)