3.12.1.1  Section F - Deliveries or Performance

The Government may stipulate either a required or desired delivery schedule in the solicitation.  Another approach is to require offerors to propose their delivery schedule in order to get a more realistic assessment of how long they really think the job will take.  If a required delivery schedule is necessary, ensure that it is realistic and attainable.  A required delivery schedule would appear in Section F of the solicitation.  The Time of Delivery clause (FAR 52.211-8) may be used if the Government wants to set forth a required delivery schedule and allow offerors to propose alternate delivery schedules.  The Desired and Required Time of Delivery clause (FAR 52.211-9) may be used if the Government has a desired delivery date but requires delivery by a specified later date.  For service contracts the basic period of performance plus each option period should be clearly identified in Section F.  Normally, contractors are not asked to propose differing periods except possibly for the Transition/Phase-in Period.