Late proposals are considered only if they are received before award and meet the specific requirements of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3)(ii); If time is not specified, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m. local.

• A. They are considered only if received before award and meet FAR 52.215-1(c)(3)(ii)
• B. They are never considered
• C. They are considered even after award with CO approval
• D. They are always considered

Answer: (A)

The situation tests how late proposals are treated under the Instructions to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition, specifically the conditions in FAR 52.215-1(c)(3)(ii). The key idea is that late proposals are not normally considered, to preserve fairness and integrity in the competition. There is a narrow exception: a late proposal may be considered only if it is received before the award and it meets the requirements specified in the clause. If the time for receipt isn’t specified, the default cutoff is 4:30 p.m. local time. This means late submissions aren’t automatically disqualified, but they must arrive pre-award and satisfy the clause’s conditions. After award, late proposals aren’t eligible for consideration, and they aren’t automatically accepted in all situations.