A contract awarded using procedures other than sealed bidding is known as what?

The correct answer is that a contract awarded using procedures other than sealed bidding is known as a negotiated contract. This process, as defined under FAR Part 15, involves discussions and negotiations with offerors to assess their proposals and ultimately secure the best value for the government.

Negotiated contracts allow for flexibility in terms and conditions, adapting to the needs of both the contracting agency and the supplier, facilitating advancements in procurement when sealed bidding might not be suited for the procurement’s complexity or specificity. This is especially critical in situations where factors such as technical feasibility or pricing need further evaluation.

In contrast, sealed bidding, referenced in FAR Part 14, is a more rigid structure designed for straightforward procurement where price is the primary consideration, and does not allow the negotiation or adaptation that comes with negotiated contracts. FAR Part 13 deals with simplified acquisition procedures that are typically used for lower-value contracts, which may not encompass the full breadth of negotiation found in FAR Part 15 contracts. Commercial Product Contracts refer to a specific procurement method for commercial goods, which doesn't inherently imply negotiation in the way that FAR Part 15 does.