XL EagleDebriefing
Debriefing. A debriefing is a meeting or written explanation where the government tells an unsuccessful (or successful) offeror how its proposal was evaluated. For negotiated contracts, it typically covers your significant weaknesses or deficiencies, your ratings and price compared with the winner's, and the overall reasons for the award decision.
For negotiated procurements, a post-award debriefing must be requested in writing within three days after you receive notice of the award. Simplified acquisitions use a lighter process, where you can ask for a brief explanation of the basis for award.
Why it matters to a small contractor
Always request a debriefing when you lose a proposal you cared about. It is free coaching from the people who scored you. Ask specific questions in advance, take notes, and be professional. Also know that protest deadlines can be tied to the debriefing date, so do not wait.
Example
A security firm loses a guard services RFP. It requests a debriefing the next day and learns its staffing plan had no relief coverage for breaks, a weakness it fixes on its next three proposals.
Debriefing: common questions
How quickly must I request a debriefing?
For negotiated contracts, the written request is due within three days after you receive notice of the award. Late requests may be refused or handled later with fewer rights.
Will they show me the winner's proposal?
No. The government will not release other offerors' confidential or proprietary information, though it typically shares the winner's overall ratings and total price.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →