XL EaglePeriod for Acceptance of Offers
Period for Acceptance of Offers. The period for acceptance of offers is the number of days after the due date during which the government can accept your offer and you must hold your prices. Commercial solicitations often default to 30 calendar days unless another period is specified, and the SF 33 defaults to 60 calendar days unless the offeror inserts a different period.
Some solicitations, especially sealed bids, set a minimum acceptance period. An offer that allows less time than the minimum may be rejected.
Why it matters to a small contractor
If material prices are volatile, think about how long you can truly hold your price. Note the date your acceptance period ends, and if the government asks you to extend it, decide quickly and in writing. Agreeing to extend keeps you in the competition.
Example
An IFB for a parking garage repair requires a 90-day acceptance period. A contractor's concrete supplier will only hold its price for 45 days, so the contractor gets a written 90-day price lock from the supplier before bidding.
Period for Acceptance of Offers: common questions
What happens when the period expires?
Your offer can no longer be accepted unless you agree to extend it. The government often asks offerors to extend if evaluation takes longer than planned.
Can I shorten the acceptance period?
You can propose a different period on some forms, but if it is shorter than the solicitation's minimum your offer may be rejected.
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