FAR 52.214-24—Multiple Technical Proposals.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.214-24, Multiple Technical Proposals, is a solicitation provision used in the first step of a two-step sealed bidding acquisition. It tells solicited sources that they are encouraged to submit more than one technical proposal if they have different basic approaches to the requirement, and it explains that each proposal will be evaluated separately. The provision also commits the Government to notify each submitter whether its technical proposal is acceptable, which is important because step one is about technical acceptability rather than price competition. In practice, this provision is meant to broaden the range of solutions the Government can consider, reduce the risk of missing a better technical approach, and help contractors understand that they may propose alternative concepts without being limited to a single submission. It matters most in acquisitions where the agency wants to compare technical approaches before issuing the second-step invitation for bids or proposals based on acceptable technical solutions.
Key Rules
Multiple approaches encouraged
In the first step of a two-step acquisition, solicited sources are encouraged to submit multiple technical proposals if they have different basic approaches. The provision is permissive, not mandatory, but it signals that the Government is open to alternative technical solutions.
Separate evaluation required
Each technical proposal submitted must be evaluated separately. The Government cannot treat multiple proposals as one combined submission or assume that acceptance or rejection of one proposal automatically applies to the others.
Acceptability determination
The submitter must be notified whether each technical proposal is acceptable. This makes the step-one process a formal acceptability screening, not a price evaluation or award decision.
Two-step acquisition context
This provision applies only in the first step of a two-step acquisition. Its function is tied to the two-step process, where technical acceptability is determined before the second step competition.
Different basic approaches
The provision is aimed at proposals presenting different basic approaches, meaning alternative technical concepts or methods for meeting the requirement. It is not intended to encourage duplicate or materially identical submissions.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Include the provision when prescribed for a two-step acquisition and ensure the solicitation explains that multiple technical proposals may be submitted and will be evaluated separately. The contracting officer must also provide notice of acceptability for each proposal submitted.
Solicited Sources / Offerors
May submit multiple technical proposals if they have different basic approaches to the requirement. They should make each proposal distinct and complete enough to permit separate evaluation.
Agency / Technical Evaluators
Review each technical proposal independently and determine whether each one is acceptable under the step-one criteria. They must avoid conflating one proposal with another or using price considerations in the acceptability review.
Practical Implications
Contractors can propose alternative technical solutions without being forced to choose only one concept, which can be useful when there are multiple viable ways to meet the requirement.
Because each proposal is evaluated separately, a contractor can receive an acceptable determination for one approach and an unacceptable determination for another.
A common pitfall is submitting multiple proposals that are too similar; the provision is aimed at different basic approaches, not minor variations or redundant submissions.
Another pitfall is assuming step-one evaluation includes price or best-value tradeoffs; this provision is about technical acceptability only.
Contracting officers should ensure the solicitation and evaluation process clearly distinguish among separate proposals so the Government can give accurate acceptability notices and avoid confusion in the second step.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 14.201-6 (s) , insert the following provision: Multiple Technical Proposals (Apr 1984) In the first step of this two-step acquisition, solicited sources are encouraged to submit multiple technical proposals presenting different basic approaches. Each technical proposal submitted will be separately evaluated and the submitter will be notified as to its acceptability. (End of provision)