6.3  Establishing the Competitive Range

Establishing the competitive range results in greater efficiency by limiting the number of offerors with whom the government must hold discussions (see FAR 15.306(c) for guidance).  Determine the competitive range only after an initial evaluation of each proposal in accordance with all cost and non-cost factors in the solicitation.  Limit the range to all of the most highly rated proposals.  The SSA must determine what constitutes an efficient competitive range for each acquisition.  Document the competitive range determination and the supporting rationale in the contract file.  For proposals excluded from the competitive range, the contracting officer must promptly notify unsuccessful offerors, in writing, of their exclusion (see FAR 15.503 for guidance).