What is an unsolicited proposal and how is it handled under Part 15?

• A. A proposal submitted outside a competition; treated under a separate policy, often evaluated on a best-effort basis; may or may not be considered depending on agency.
• B. A proposal submitted in response to a formal RFP.
• C. A proposal that must be funded automatically.
• D. A proposal that always leads to a contract.

Answer: (A)

Unsolicited proposals are ideas or plans offered to the government without the government having issued a solicitation. In FAR Part 15, they’re not part of the formal competitive process. Instead, they’re handled under a separate policy, and agencies decide whether to evaluate them and, if so, how deeply, often on a best-effort basis. There is no guarantee of consideration, funding, or award; the agency may pursue the concept if it fits its needs and policy, or it may decline or choose to open competition if appropriate.

This is why the described scenario fits best: a proposal arriving outside a competition, treated under a separate policy with variable evaluation and potential for consideration depending on the agency. The other options don’t fit because unsolicited proposals aren’t responses to an RFP, they aren’t automatically funded, and they don’t always lead to a contract.