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B-225851, JAN 21, 1987, OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

B-225851 Jan 21, 1987
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WHICH CONCERNS THE RELEASE OF LISTS OF PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS WHO HAVE BEEN FURNISHED COPIES OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH INVITATIONS FOR BIDS FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS. WE THEREFORE HAVE NO OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSED CHANGE.

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B-225851, JAN 21, 1987, OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

PROCUREMENT - SOCIO-ECONOMIC POLICIES - FEDERAL PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS/LAWS - REVISION DIGEST: GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE HAS NO OBJECTION TO FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) CASE NO. 86-59, A PROPOSAL TO AMEND FAR SEC. 14.205 5(B) TO STATE THAT CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES MAY REQUIRE WRITTEN REQUESTS AND ESTABLISH APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES WITH REGARD TO THE RELEASE OF LISTS OF PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS FURNISHED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS UNDER SOLICITATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS.

MS. MARGARET A. WILLIS:

THIS RESPONDS TO YOUR LETTER OF DECEMBER 2, 1986, REQUESTING OUR COMMENTS ON FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) CASE NO. 86-59, A PROPOSAL TO AMEND FAR SEC. 14.205-5(B), WHICH CONCERNS THE RELEASE OF LISTS OF PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS WHO HAVE BEEN FURNISHED COPIES OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH INVITATIONS FOR BIDS FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS. THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD STATE THAT CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES MAY REQUIRE WRITTEN REQUESTS FOR SUCH LISTS AND ESTABLISH APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES. IN OUR VIEW, THE RELEASE OF LISTS OF PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS TENDS TO ENHANCE POTENTIAL COMPETITION AT THE SUBCONTRACTOR LEVEL, AND THUS SERVES THE GOVERNMENT'S INTEREST IN OBTAINING QUALITY WORK AT THE BEST PRICE. THE PRACTICE OUGHT TO BE ENCOURAGED.

WE RECOGNIZE THAT AGENCIES NEED TO ESTABLISH REASONABLE PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING REQUESTS FOR SUCH LISTS, AND WE THEREFORE HAVE NO OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSED CHANGE.

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