Notice types in plain words

Every notice on SAM.gov has a type. The type tells you what the buyer wants from you right now. Victavio shows the same types and uses them to sort notices into lanes.

Notices that can lead to a contract

Solicitation. The buyer is asking for offers. You will often see one of these names:

• RFQ (Request for Quotations). Common for simpler buys. Under the FAR, a quotation is not an offer; the buyer issues an order based on it, and a contract forms when you accept the order. Read how quotes will be judged. Price often matters most, but not always.
• RFP (Request for Proposals). Used for negotiated buys. Proposals are judged on factors such as the technical approach, past performance and price.
• IFB (Invitation for Bids). Sealed bidding. The award goes to the responsible bidder whose bid meets every requirement at the lowest price. In Texas, an ITB (Invitation to Bid) works the same way.

Combined synopsis/solicitation. The announcement and the solicitation in one notice. It is common for commercial products and services. Treat it as a solicitation.

Notices that come before a solicitation

Sources Sought. Market research. The buyer wants to know who can do the work and how to buy it. You respond with information, not a price. See Sources Sought: why to answer them.

Request for Information (RFI). Also market research. It is often posted as a Sources Sought or a Special Notice.

Presolicitation. Advance notice that a solicitation is coming. Some invite comments or capability statements. It is often the last good moment to contact the buyer before the solicitation posts.

Special Notice. Anything else the buyer wants to announce: industry days, draft documents, forecasts or pre-bid meetings. Read it to see whether it asks for a response.

Notices about one company

Notice of intent to sole source. The buyer plans to award without competition. It may be posted as a presolicitation, a special notice or a combined notice. If the work is yours, you may be able to respond. See Sole-source notices and how to challenge one.

Justification. Explains why a buy was not competed. These are usually posted after the award, so it is too late to respond. They still show who buys what, and from whom.

Notices after the decision

Award notice. Who won and, often, the amount. No response is needed. Use it to learn the market and to find primes who may need subcontractors.

Other types

Sale of surplus property. The government is selling, not buying.

Intent to bundle requirements (DoD-funded). A defense buyer plans to combine work into one larger contract. Read it for the reasons and for any response date.

Amendments and cancellations

Any notice can be amended or cancelled. Amendments change dates, answers and requirements. Always open the latest version before you act. See Amendments, questions and deadlines.

How Victavio uses types

Victavio puts Sources Sought notices, RFIs and presolicitations in the "Get noticed early" lane, sole-source notices in "Challenge it", set-asides you do not hold in "Team up or watch", and strong matches you can bid on in "Go". Award notices are not shown as matches. See The four lanes in Victavio.