An Unsolicited proposal is a written application for a new or innovative idea submitted to an agency on the initiative of the offeror for the purpose of obtaining a contract with the government, and is not in response to a request for proposals, Broad Agency Announcement, Program Research and Development Announcement, or any other Government-initiated solicitation or program.
The Department of State (DoS) accepts the submission of valid unsolicited proposals which contribute new and innovative ideas consistent with the Agency’s mission. However, the requirements for contractor resources are normally program specific and must be responsive to the Department’s needs.
In the case that your firm has an innovative and unique idea for which submission of an unsolicited proposal may be the right approach, you should ensure commercial availability does not already exist to the government. Also, it should not be an advance proposal for a know agency requirement to be procured by competitive methods nor should it address previously published solicitations.
Persons interested in submitting an unsolicited proposal to the DoS should follow the guidelines as published in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Subpart 15.6—Unsolicited Proposals.
Subpart 15.605 provides specific criteria that allow the Department to accept an unsolicited proposal.
According to FAR Part 15.603(c), a valid unsolicited proposal must include sufficient detail to permit a determination by the Government. Prospective offerors are encouraged to make preliminary contacts with agency personnel prior to preparing detailed unsolicited proposals or submitting proprietary information to the Government. This may save considerable time and effort for both parties. [See FAR 15.201 and 15.604(a)].
Submission of Unsolicited Proposals
Once you have reviewed these requirements and made the determination you have a valid unsolicited proposal, please forward your proposal to the Business Operations Division in the Office of Acquisition Management, who serves as the single point of contact for all such proposals.
Unsolicited Proposal Coordinator
U.S. Department of State
Office of Acquisitions Management, Business Operations Division
SA-6, RM 228
Po Box 9115
Arlington, VA 22219
