In a competitive acquisition, discussions are conducted after the establishment of the competitive range. When are these discussions held?

• A. Before the competitive range is established.
• B. After establishment of the competitive range.
• C. Only after the award decision is announced.
• D. Only in sole-source procurements.

Answer: (B)

Discussions in a competitive acquisition happen after the competitive range has been established. Once initial proposals are evaluated, the contracting officer determines which offerors fall within the competitive range and then conducts discussions with those offerors to clarify uncertainties, resolve deficiencies, and invite improvements to the proposals. This timing ensures that only the most viable proposals are refined through negotiation before a final best-value decision and award are made.

Choosing to hold discussions before establishing the competitive range wouldn’t align with the process, since only those within the range are invited to negotiate. Holding discussions after the award decision would come too late to influence the selection, and sole-source procurements aren’t competitive, so the concept of a competitive range and subsequent discussions doesn’t apply.