Communications with an offeror for the sole purpose of eliminating minor irregularities, informalities or apparent clerical mistakes in the proposals is called:

• A. Negotiation
• B. Debriefing
• C. Clarification
• D. Clarification and negotiation

Answer: (C)

Clarification is the type of communication used when the agency wants to fix minor irregularities, informalities, or apparent clerical mistakes in a proposal without entering into bargaining on price, terms, or the technical approach. It’s limited in scope and aimed only at making the proposal complete and properly evaluable, not at altering its substance or providing an opportunity to gain an advantage.

This distinguishes it from negotiation, which involves substantive discussion about price, terms, or performance and can lead to changes in the proposal. Debriefing occurs after award to explain the decision, not to modify proposals. The scenario described fits clarifications because the purpose is solely to eliminate minor issues, not to renegotiate or revise the proposal.